Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), previously known as Dysthymia, is a chronic, or long-lasting, type of depression. Just like other types of depression, PDD includes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, changes in sleep and appetite, as well as loss of interest in daily life. The significant difference between PDD and major depressive disorder is that PDD is persistent, occurring at a lower intensity over a longer duration of time. The diagnostic criteria for PDD outline that an individual must be suffering from these symptoms for at least two years in adults and at least one year in children. PDD can be categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. While the symptoms are not as severe as major depressive disorder, they are pervasive and long-lasting. 

During the course of PDD, individuals may experience brief periods of not feeling depressed, but this relief in symptoms typically lasts for two months or less. While symptoms are not as severe as major depressive disorder , they are often pervasive and people might experience brief periods of not feeling depressed, but this relief of symptoms lasts for two months or less. 

Some of the symptoms of PDD include: 

• Feelings of sadness
• Loss of interest and pleasure
• Anger or irritability
• Feelings of guilt
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Sleeping too much
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Changes in appetite
• Trouble concentrating