Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), formerly known as dysthymia, is a fairly new diagnosis that is characterized by chronic depression. It refers to a type of chronic depression present for more days than not for at least two years. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. People might experience brief periods of not feeling depressed, but this relief of symptoms lasts for two months or less. While the symptoms are not as severe as major depressive disorder, they are pervasive and long-lasting. Treatment for persistent depressive disorder often involves the use of medications and psychotherapy.

The symptoms include:

1.       Feelings of sadness

2.       Loss of interest and pleasure

3.       Anger and irritability

4.       Feelings of guilt

5.       Low self-esteem

6.       Difficulty falling or staying asleep

7.       Sleeping too much

8.       Feelings of hopelessness

9.       Fatigue and lack of energy

10.   Changes in appetite

11.   Trouble concentrating

The treatments for persistent depressive disorder are similar to other treatments of depression. Generally, a combination of psychotherapy and medications is the most effective

Psychotherapy may involve a range of different techniques, but two that are often used are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).

1) CBT: This type of therapy focuses on learning to identify and change the underlying negative thought patterns that often contribute to feelings of depression.  

2) IPT: This therapy is similar to CBT but focuses on identifying problems in relationships and communication and then finding ways to make improvements in how you relate to and interact with others

Medication treatment

1) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications include sertraline Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine). SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help improve and regulate mood.

2) Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications include Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). SNRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain