Persistent Depressive Disorder

About Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent depressive disorder is a long term form of depression in which a person experiences depressed mood on more days than not over an extended period, at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents, where mood may present as irritability. DSM-5 introduced the term in 2013, combining the earlier diagnoses of dysthymic disorder and chronic major depressive disorder. Symptoms are often less intense than in a major depressive episode but their duration means they can shape how people see themselves, with many describing the low mood as simply part of who they are. Features can include changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, poor concentration, low self esteem and feelings of hopelessness. Episodes of major depression may occur on top of the persistent low mood. Onset is frequently early and gradual. Psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination are the main evidence based approaches, and recognition matters because the condition is often overlooked.