Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) Why it happens
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) Why it happens, its causes, symptoms and treatment for cure.
What is Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)?
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), previously known as dysthymia, is a long lasting form of depression that lasts for at least two years. It is characterized by a constant depressive mood that often comes along with low self-esteem, fatigue and feeling of hopelessness.
In Detail:
- Chronic Depression: It is a disease in which most individuals experience a depressive mood almost in their full day therefore it is a long lasting form of depression.
- Light effect: The effect of this disease is much lighter than other major disorders of depression.
- How one can treat it: The DSM-5 requires that the depressive mood stays for at least two years and these are for adults not the children.
- Impact on daily life: People with Persistent Depressive Disorder often struggle with everyday activities, their social interaction and work because of its consistent low mood.
Why PDD happens: The Etiology of PDD
Cause of this disease is from an interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
- Biology Factors :
- Genetics
- Neurochemical Imbalance
- Brain Structure and functions
- Psychological Factors:
- Early life experiences
- Personality Traits
- Cognitive Patterns
- Environmental and Social Factors:
- Consistent stress
- Social isolation
- Lifestyle factors
Early sign (symptoms) of Persistent Depressive Disorder and Risk Factors:
Common symptoms of this disease are change in emotional state, Difficulty with cognitive function, behavioral symptoms and interpersonal Impact. Let’s try to understand these symptoms in detail.
- Mood and emotional symptoms:
- A constant low or depressive mood around the day and nearly every day , Feeling of hopelessness and pessimism about the future are early signs of getting PDD.
- Cognitive Symptoms:
- Negative thinking more frequently, poor connections with your body and mind experiencing difficulty in decision making power are also early signs.
- Physical and behavioral symptoms:
- Experiencing low energy throughout the day changes sleep patterns, appetite leading to weight loss or gain , social withdrawal and reduced interactions in everyday activity and a general feeling of slowness in both physical and thought functions.
- Interpersonal Impact:
- Experiencing difficult to maintain relationships due to negative thought processes, Reduced performance at social places and avoiding social interactions more frequent than usual further increasing isolation time and depressive symptoms.
Treatment and Diagnosis of Persistent Depressive Disorder:
- One can seek professional help from a psychotherapist or any other talk therapies. This is the easy and most available treatment for these types of depressive disorders.
- Treatment with certain medications like SSRIs
- Bringing change into individuals lifestyle
- Doing Yoga, Meditation, or any other relaxing techniques which boost mental peace.
Conclusion:
Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) as its name suggests it is a long lasting form of depression which affects individuals everyday tasks moods feel difficult. While its symptoms are simple in comparison to major depression, they last for years and can affect energy levels, and relationships.
PDD happens because of genetics inherited from family , brain function, life events and daily stress. However, it is treatable with various treatments such as talk therapies,through medicines and focus on self care.
If the symptoms are seen for at least two years then
individuals should seek professional care with the right and genuine support. \
Individuals can gain a sense of joy in their life after the treatment.
READ MORE : Cause and Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)