What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Dysthymia
• PDD (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

What is Persistent Depressive Disorder? (Definition/Background Information)

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is a mild form of chronic and long-term depression. It is characterized by low mood and depressive symptoms that last two years or more. The condition was previously known as Dysthymia
• Individuals with other psychiatric disorders and those of poor economic standing have a generally higher risk for Persistent Depressive Disorder. More number of cases are reported in females than males
• The contributory factors for Persistent Depressive Disorder development are varied and may include a combination of biological factors, life events, and psychiatric conditions. The cause of development of PDD is not well known
• The signs and symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder are similar to those observed in a major depressive disorder, but milder, and may include tiredness, lack of excitement or emotion, and sleep pattern changes
• The treatment for Persistent Depressive Disorder usually involves a combination of medications and psychiatric therapy. The outcome for individuals with PDD is usually good with treatment; a full recovery is typically ensured

Who gets Persistent Depressive Disorder? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Persistent Depressive Disorder may be seen in individuals of any age group
• Women are seen with PDD more often than men
• No racial or ethnic group bias is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Persistent Depressive Disorder? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Persistent Depressive Disorder may include:

• Having a family member with the condition, especially a direct family member
• Individuals with any other form of a psychiatric disorder
• Poor socioeconomic background and poverty
• Stressful and impactful events in one’s life that affect one adversely
• Generally, having a negative attitude towards one’s life

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition.  A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors.  Some risk factors are more important than others.  

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition.  It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Persistent Depressive Disorder? (Etiology)

The cause of Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) is not completely understood, but the likely factors may be clubbed into the following three categories - biological, life events, and psychiatric.

Biological causes of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

• Chemical imbalance within the brain: Substances, such as serotonin, which regulate emotional expression, can become too low in the brain and lead to PDD
• Physical injuries to the head have also been considered as a cause, but less often than chemical imbalances in the brain

Life event causes of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

• Constant stress from any source
• Dramatic life events that impact an individual negatively

Psychiatric causes of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

• Having any mental health condition: Any personality type that leads to social isolation or difficulty interacting with others, such as antisocial personality or schizotypal personality disorder (STPD)
• Having a generally negative view of life

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder?

The signs and symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder are mostly related to a change in the individual’s behavior and include:

• Tiredness
• Lack of appetite or excessive appetite
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Losing interest in things that used to earlier bring happiness to the individual
• Assuming that all things in the future will have a bad outcome
• Preferring to be socially isolated
• Poor self-confidence and constantly putting oneself down

How is Persistent Depressive Disorder Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder may involve:

• A healthcare professional will start with a physical examination of the individual and evaluation of their medical history
• Psychological examination of the individual: The evaluation questions are typically based on the American Psychiatric Association publication “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)”
• Other investigative tests to rule-out other conditions that may cause or resemble Persistent Depressive Disorder such as schizophrenia, hypothyroidism, or panic disorder

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Persistent Depressive Disorder?

The complications associated with Persistent Depressive Disorder are based on the altered mental state of the individual and the possible conditions causing PDD. The complications may include:

• Substance abuse of medication, non-prescription drugs, or alcohol
• Less productivity in school or work
• Suicidal thoughts and possible attempts at suicide
• Difficulty with current relationships and forming new ones
• Reduced quality of life

If Persistent Depressive Disorder is caused by another psychological disorder, the complications associated with the underlying disorder may be present.

How is Persistent Depressive Disorder Treated?

The two major methods of treatment employed by a healthcare professional for Persistent Depressive Disorder are medication administration and talk therapy.

Treatment with medications:

• Use of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin, and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• All antidepressants have certain side effects, but the most commonly used medications are SSRIs, because of fewer and less severe side effects
• Many of the antidepressants take weeks to months to be perceived as being effective by the individual

Talk therapy:

• Discussing issues and worries an individual has with the healthcare professional
• Counseling on how to handle stressful and negative situations in life

Bringing about certain lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, eating healthy, and avoiding alcohol, can help cope with Persistent Depressive Disorder.

How can Persistent Depressive Disorder be Prevented?

It may not be possible to prevent Persistent Depressive Disorder, but the following may be considered to lower one’s risk for the same:

• Avoiding unnecessary and excessive stress
• Trying to have a positive outlook on life
• Promoting a good social life; seeking the company of friends and family members in a positive manner

What is the Prognosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis for an individual with Persistent Depressive Disorder is typically good, if the condition is not the result of another more severe psychological disorder
• With proper treatment, a complete recovery can be achieved, and the affected individual should be able to return to a normal life

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Persistent Depressive Disorder:

There are many non-standard forms of treatment for Persistent Depressive Disorder, but not all have been approved and considered effective in treating the condition.