Depression is commonly called the “illness of the 21st century”, which can be explained by the increasing number of people affected by this chronic condition, which in many cases can be disabling.
You've certainly heard of depression, but did you know that there are different types?
Knowing the subject is very important to help those dealing with the disease to seek appropriate professional help.
Find out more about Persistent Depressive Disorder: what it is and the following symptoms and treatments!
What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?
Persistent depressive disorder is also known as dysthymia, being very similar to a form of mild depression, but distinct for its persistence and intensity.
The person is often moody, tends to see things only from the negative side, appears to be always sleepy, or has an excessive lack of sleep so that the duration of their symptoms can easily reach 2 years.
Patients with this disorder hardly understand on their own that they are in a depressed mood. Therefore, it is often confused with the person's personality type and way of behaving. In other words, we are talking about a serious illness!
What Are the Symptoms?
Dysthymia can present milder symptoms than traditional depression, which can last for a long period. The main signs of this condition include
- sadness and lack of humor much of the time
- disinterest and lack of pleasure in activities that you previously enjoyed
- reduced or increased appetite
- too much sleep or insomnia for several days
- loss of energy and tiredness
- crying easily
- Deconcentrating even on simple tasks
- feeling of worthlessness and guilt
- lack of hope
- negative thoughts, even of suicide
- bad mood and irritability.
Another observation that should be made is about the desire to isolate oneself, as social and happening moments can be uncomfortable for those who have the disorder. Therefore, the tendency is to try to keep a distance, causing more serious depressive episodes.
These symptoms can emerge individually or cumulatively. Therefore, even those with few symptoms are susceptible to the problem. It is worth noting that disorders manifest and disappear over time.
If they present before the age of 21, the problem is referred to as Early Onset Dysthymia. On the other hand, if it happens after this age, it is called Late-Onset Dysthymia.
Causes of Dysthymia/Persistent Depressive Disorder
Like other conditions related to mental health, dysthymia also does not have fixed and exact causes.
Through research by professionals in the field, some most recurrent causes can be highlighted, including
1. Genetic Inheritance
Like other mental disorders, dysthymia generally presents itself in people who have close relatives who also have the disease.
2. Traumatic Experiences
Losing a loved one is one of the biggest causes of depressive and anxiety disorders. Other traumatic experiences, such as serious accidents, assaults, and even financial difficulties and unemployment, also exert force as a cause of dysthymia.3. Biological Factors and Chemical Components Of The Brain
Despite little that is understood about the exact causes of emotional and mental illnesses, research indicates that physical changes in the brain can serve as an influence when highlighting people with persistent depressive disorder.
Regarding the chemical composition of the brain, functional changes in neurotransmitters can significantly affect how such transmitters interact with the neurocircuits responsible for the individual's emotional and behavioral stability.
Major depression
The disorder is also called unipolar depression due to its behavioral peculiarities. This condition leaves patients looking sad, with an unhappy face, droopy and watery eyes, and little desire to interact socially. Furthermore, this withdrawn posture is easily observed by the lack of interest in communicating with other people. In general, the most common signs of this disorder are
- look a downcast and constantly depressed mood
- marked reduction in interest in important activities, such as work or school
- considerable increase or decrease in appetite
- sleep disorders
- psychomotor delay observed by parents or teachers
- reports of tiredness, fatigue, or loss of energy
- feelings of worthlessness or morbid conversations
- excessive guilt or indifference regarding failure to carry out tasks for which they are responsible
- difficulty with memory and concentration
- suicidal ideation or a secret plan to commit suicide.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Patients suffering from PDD are melancholic, moody, and more prone to pessimistic thoughts. Some have a typically introverted, passive profile, are complainers and are self-critical. If not properly treated, this disorder can lead to alcoholism and drug addiction.
Unlike major depression, in PDD, some symptoms are characterized by extreme behaviors. Watch
- loss of appetite or habit of overeating
- insomnia, agitation, or hypersomnia
- fatigue, tiredness, or hyperactivity
- low self-esteem
- difficulty making decisions
- feelings of despair
- anguish without an apparent cause.
How Does This Disorder Affect the Quality Of Life?
The person becomes someone who is moody and cannot be satisfied with even the smallest daily activities. Even things that a person usually enjoys can quickly become discouraging. So even though the individual carries out their activities and develops well in some areas, they end up demanding more effort than they should.
Social isolation and pessimism about life are symptoms of the disorder and can cause people to not make the most of social events, also damaging the bonds already formed and planning for life. The person will simply have a feeling of stagnation when doing what they have already done before becomes something costly and they do not have the energy or drive to do new things.
Slowly, the person will become more irritable, and isolated and have bad thoughts about their life and events, making them consider that it has always been this way, with this type of thinking and behavior.
Risk Factors
Some risk factors increase a person's chances of developing persistent depressive disorder. Are they
Temperament: People with higher levels of neuroticism (a personality trait with a tendency to have more negative feelings) are more likely to develop the disorder
Environment: Environmental factors such as the loss or separation of parents in childhood can increase a person's chances of developing dysthymia
Genetic factors: People with a family history of depressive disorders are more likely to develop the problem
Physiological factors: Not infrequently, there are neurophysiological changes in patients with persistent depressive disorder.
Is Persistent Depressive Disorder Curable?
Persistent depressive disorder, or dysthymia, if treated correctly, can achieve total remission of symptoms and the person can return to living without the weight they previously carried, with the help of a psychiatrist and a psychologist.
However, the concept of a cure concerning mental disorders is different from what it is for other illnesses, as they are chronic illnesses and may return in the future if the person does not take the necessary care.
However, when treated well, it is unlikely to return and if it does happen, it is common for it to return in a milder and weakened form.
How Is Dysthymia Diagnosed?
The first step is to look for a qualified doctor who gives you confidence, only this professional will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and help you along the way.
Once you complete this first step, your doctor may include the following exams and tests in your evaluation
Psychological Assessment
Physical Examination
Laboratory Tests
The diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder has different indicators for adult and child patients, ok? In children, the downcast state and behavior, as well as irritability and tantrums occur almost throughout the day, for at least a year. In the case of young and adult patients, the feeling of sadness and depression also occurs for a large part of the day, but this time, it recurs for two or more years.
Treatment for Dysthymia
As the treatment is not always the same for different individuals, your doctor may follow the criteria below to chart your recovery.
- Severity and recurrence of your symptoms
- Your personal preferences
- Possible previous treatments
- Your approach to your emotions and everyday situations
- Your tolerance to medication
- Any other emotional problems you have.
Therapy is the form of treatment most used by professionals, as its effectiveness is proven and, in most cases, it is not necessary to introduce the patient to medications and chemical substances. In the most severe cases, antidepressants and other medications recommended for treating the psyche may be prescribed by the doctor.
This will all depend on the patient's age group, as well as their behavior and medical history. Pay attention to the signs and problems that dysthymia can cause for you and your loved ones. Seek qualified medical help and help anyone who needs it to do the same.
Questions and Curiosities About Persistent Depressive Disorder
Does depressive disorder have a genetic predisposition? Some people may have a predisposition, but it is not a rule
How long does persistent depressive disorder last? To be considered a persistent type, symptoms must have been present for at least 2 years
How is a persistent depressive disorder diagnosed? The diagnosis can be made through anamnesis (interview during the consultation), examinations, and mapping of the patient's medical history
What are the treatment options for persistent depressive disorder?
Treatment varies but can be carried out medically (such as through the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants) or through psychotherapy, for exampleCan persistent depressive disorder be cured? The symptoms of the disorder can be reduced or eliminated depending on the case.
Conclusion
Learning about its characteristics and differences from other types of depression is essential to prevent its symptoms and treat them appropriately when necessary.
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