People with persistent depressive disorder have long-term depression by name. People who have it say their mood is “always sad” or “down in the dumps.”
To qualify for PDD, one’s depression must have been on the scene for at least two years. PDD’s symptoms are thought to be less severe than those of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, major depressive episodes may happen, resulting in a diagnosis of both PDD and MDD. Some 50% of people with PDD have double depression, which is when they are both depressed. At least 1.5% of the adult U.S. population will have PDD at some point in the next year. Half of those cases will be terrible.
1. It’s thought that one-third of people who go to psychotherapy may have PDD.
2. About two-thirds of people with PDD also have a long-term illness or a mental illness.
3. Women have PDD twice as often as men.
4. Two or more of the following things have to happen during a depression:
5. Not having enough food to eat or eating too much
6. At least one of the following is true: insomnia or hypersomnia.
7. Not having enough energy or being worn out
8. A low sense of self-worth
9. Not being able to focus or make good decisions
10. Feelings of defeat
For diagnosis, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– First, symptoms can’t have been gone for more than two months.
– Second, there must be no history of manic or hypomanic episodes.
– Third, there must be no history of cyclothymic disorder.
Many people have told us that PDD is not as bad as MDD, but that’s not true. Do not be fooled. There are some symptoms of PDD that don’t usually show up. These include not feeling pleasure, being tired, agitated, and having thoughts of death or suicide. However, with its symptoms and long-term effects, PDD can be evil.
Persistent depressive disorder is caused by what? However, certain things can cause this. Stress, for example, can make it hard for us to control our moods, allowing mild sadness to grow and last. Social isolation and the lack of social support can also lead to PDD. Then there is pain. If you lose a friend, have a terrible relationship, or are in an emergency, you can get PDD. You can get it from any of these things.
Genetics is a significant factor. People who have a first-degree relative with PDD are more likely to get it, too. So a 50% chance of getting a job isn’t a wrong number at all!
Finally, we need to think about the brain and how it works. The fact is, people who have depressive disorders have brains that look different when they’re scanned than those who don’t have them. And the parts of the brain that control mood, thinking, sleep, and appetite don’t seem to work right. Neurotransmitters may be out of balance and play a part in this.
Persistent depression: How is it treated?
In Depression treatment, the first step is to accept that you have the disorder and be willing to get help. Unfortunately, some people have to see their family doctor, not get the correct diagnosis. It’s also common for people who have PDD to think their symptoms are just part of life. In older people, dementia, apathy, or irritability can hide signs of PDD.
The best place to start is psychotherapy. Keep in mind that therapy changes the way the brain works through neurogenesis, which creates new neurons and connections between them and the way the brain works.
There are a lot of therapies that are thought to help people with PDD get better.
1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Works well at changing negative ways of thinking that lead to destructive emotions and bad behavior. Allows for the learning of social and stress management skills and the unlearning of feelings of helplessness.
2. Interpersonal therapy: This is especially good for people who are depressed. It helps people deal with disagreements with other people, loss and separation, and changes in their lives.
3. Supportive therapy: A type of talk therapy that helps people with a hard time. Venting is encouraged because sympathy, encouragement, and advice will be given.
4. Psychodynamic therapy helps people solve emotional problems, especially those based on their childhood experiences.
Whether or not someone goes to therapy, healthy habits can make a big difference. So do things and practices that make you feel less stressed or anxious.
There are many ways to help people with PDD in their relationships and families. For example, couples therapy can be beneficial.
About TMS Therapy for Depression Treatment.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a treatment for people with severe depression whose illness has not been helped by at least one antidepressant medication. It is a type of brain stimulation therapy. TMS elicits magnetic energy, which turns into an electrical current underneath the patient’s skull, to help regulate the patient’s emotions. TMS is an adjunct treatment that works along with medication and is non-invasive (does not require surgery).
