Do you see a lot of yourself feeling sad on average? Do you feel tired all the time? Do you feel like nothing is fun anymore? If you have this feeling for a long period of time, you may have Persistent Depressive Disorder. Another name for it is dysthymia.
Many individuals are unaware of this form of depression. They may label themselves as “negative” or “lazy,” but that’s not accurate. It is a genuine health issue. The positive aspect is that improvement is possible with support.
At CK Wellness, PLLC, we provide care for people with Persistent Depressive Disorder. We create treatment plans to boost mood, energy and joy of existence.
Understanding Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent Depressive Disorder is a type of depression that lasts a long time. It is different from major depression. It can feel like a cloudy day that never goes away.
- For adults, this sad feeling must last for two years or more
- For kids and teens, it must last for at least one year
During this period of time, the person has a low mood nearly every day. They may have some good days, but not many, typically fewer than 2 months.
What Does It Feel Like?
People with this condition often feel:
- Sad, down, or empty inside
- Tired with no energy
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Eating too little or too much
Many people feel inadequate and hopeless, struggling with focus, decision-making and emotions like anger. Some even have self-harm thoughts. Despite this, they continue to go to work or school, appearing fine while battling inner turmoil.
Persistent Vs Major Depressive Disorder
Many people wonder how PDD differs from major depression. Working with a mental health professional is crucial here to establish an accurate differential diagnosis for depression.
Major depression usually causes more severe symptoms, but episodes may last for several weeks or months.
Persistent Depressive Disorder usually has milder symptoms that continue for years.
Because the symptoms are not as strong, many people do not realize they are sick. They may believe this is their nature. This is why it’s sometimes referred to as a “hidden” disease.
Although it’s less intense, it still can cause considerable pain over time. It can hurt relationships, work and happiness.
Some people experience both conditions. This is sometimes called double depression, where a person with PDD also develops an episode of major depression, leading to complex and exhausting cycles of depression.
What Causes Persistent Depressive Disorder?
The exact cause of PDD is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
- Family history
- Brain chemistry
- Life events like stress, trauma, and loss
- Personality traits, especially sensitivity and worry
How Is It Treated?
This condition does not go away on its own, but it can be treated. At CK Wellness, PLLC, we make personalized treatment plans. We focus on your symptoms, goals, and overall health.
There are two main ways to treat it:
- Talk Therapy
This means talking to a mental health professional. They can help you understand your feelings and change negative thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
- Medicine
Doctors can prescribe antidepressants to help balance the chemicals in your brain. Common medications are SNRIs and SSRIs. It may take some time to discover the best medicine and it can take weeks or months to work. For many, it really makes a difference.
Other things can help too:
- Regular exercise
- Good sleep
- Spending time with loved ones
Finding a trustworthy therapist is crucial and it’s okay if it takes time to find the right fit.
You Are Not Alone
If you feel sad all the time, please know you are not alone. Persistent Depressive Disorder is a real condition and it is not your fault. It does not mean you are weak or broken. It means you need help and that is okay.
At CK Wellness, PLLC, we provide caring and personalized psychiatric care. Our team is led by Dr. K. Gajaraj and Shirnett Khorran-Gajaraj. We help people with mood disorders like dysthymia using safe and proven treatments.
You deserve hope and happiness. Reach out to a mental health professional today. You do not have to face these feelings alone.
FAQs
What is the ICD-10 code for dysthymia?
The (dysthymia) Persistent Depressive Disorder, ICD-10 code is F34.1.
Is neurotic depression the same as dysthymia?
Yes, neurotic depression is an outdated term for dysthymia. Currently, it’s referred to as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) to emphasize its chronic nature.