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March 29, 2022Major Depressive Disorder vs. Persistent Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and persistent depressive disorder (PDD) are two types of depression. These are mental health disorders that are marked by symptoms like feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, and more. Both are severe enough to impair a person’s daily life and relationships. They vary in symptom duration, diagnosis criteria, and more. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial for finding appropriate treatment. In light of this, we’re sharing a guide on major depressive disorder vs. persistent depressive disorder.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Also known as depression and unipolar depression, major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest that can interfere with a person’s day-to-day life as well as their relationships with others and performance at work, school, and home. MDD deeply affects how you feel, think, and behave.
While MDD produces various symptoms, they don’t all have to occur at the same time for a doctor to diagnose someone. Common unipolar depression symptoms include:
- A depressed mood lasts for the majority of the day
- Decreased interest in pleasurable or daily activities
- Frequent fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Unintentional and extreme fluctuations in weight
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Psychomotor agitation (movements with no purpose)
- Psychomotor impairment, or difficulty thinking, speaking, and doing other everyday things
- Frequents thoughts of death or suicide
Most people with MDD usually experience multiple symptoms and episodes of depression in their lifetime. During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day. For someone to be diagnosed with depression, they must experience five or more of the symptoms mentioned above within the same 2-week period, and at least one of the symptoms should be depressed mood or loss of interest in activities.
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Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a prolonged form of depression that can have lasting effects on an individual's daily life and functioning. Similar to major depressive disorder, dysthymia is characterized by symptoms such as loss of interest in daily activities, feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and low self-esteem. These symptoms can persist for years, significantly impacting relationships, social interactions, and performance at school, work, and home. In individuals with dysthymia, the symptoms may manifest as difficulty in maintaining a positive outlook, even during moments of joy. They might be perceived as having gloomy personalities, self-pitying tendencies, and an inability to experience enjoyment. It is important to note that those who hold such perceptions are often unaware of the individual's underlying condition, contributing to the stigma surrounding mental health.
The symptoms of persistent depressive disorder closely resemble those of major depressive disorder, but the duration and pattern of occurrence may vary. Common symptoms of dysthymia include:
- fatigue
- low energy levels
- self-criticism
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- changes in mood and behavior
- decreased productivity
- avoidance of social activities
- withdrawal from loved ones
- feelings of guilt
- concerns about the past
- appetite changes
- sleep disturbances
These symptoms, while not as severe as those of major depression, can persist for an extended period and disrupt daily functioning, leading to significant distress and impairment in one's ability to engage in normal activities.
Major vs. Persistent Depressive Disorder: How Are They Different?
The difference between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder can be found in how they’re diagnosed, duration of symptoms, and severity of symptoms.
How likely is Major Depression to lead to severe functional impairment and thoughts of suicide compared to PDD?
Major depression is more likely to lead to severe functional impairment and thoughts of suicide compared to PDD, which is generally milder but persistent.
What are the key distinctions between the duration and persistence of symptoms in Major Depression and PDD?
Major depression is characterized by symptoms that can impair daily functioning but may not persist as long as PDD, which lasts for at least two years.
How do the symptoms of Major Depression and PDD affect daily functioning differently?
Major depression is more likely to lead to severe functional impairment, while PDD may be less severe but persistent, affecting daily life and overall quality of life.
What are the differences in symptom severity between Major Depression and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)?
Major depression is characterized by more severe symptoms that can significantly impair daily functioning, including persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, difficulty thinking, and thoughts of death or suicide. On the other hand, PDD is generally milder but more chronic, lasting for at least two years.
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How can seeking professional support help individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) improve their quality of life?
Seeking professional support for Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals facing this condition. Professional support includes a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Through medication and therapy, individuals can effectively manage negative thoughts and moods associated with PDD. Medications have been shown to be beneficial for many individuals, and when combined with therapy, they provide a comprehensive approach to managing symptoms and episodes.
Additionally, lifestyle adjustments such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and seeking social support are important aspects of managing PDD.
By seeking professional help and following a holistic treatment plan, individuals with PDD can learn strategies to live with and overcome the challenges posed by this condition, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life.
Our Depression Treatment Can Help
Regardless of whether you have MDD or PDD, both conditions can be impairing and difficult to manage without professional care. Depression of any level is a life-changing condition that requires the steady, constant, and evidence-based treatment offered at Banyan Mental Health.
If you or someone you care about has depression or any other form of mental illness, our PHP or residential mental health program can help. Our specialists take the time to get to know our clients and determine which care plans work best for them. We will work with you or a loved one every step of the way to set them up for a happy and successful life after treatment.
For more information about our mental illness treatment in Boca Raton, call Banyan Treatment Center today at 888-280-4763.
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