Understanding the Causes of Persistent
Depressive Disorder (PDD)
Difficult emotions like sadness and grief are a part of the normal human experience. And each person’s different seasons of life require them to make space for such emotions. However, when sadness morphs into an invisible cloak that only burdens a person’s day-to-day life, it becomes something as debilitating as persistent depressive disorder.
Dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder (PDD) can be chronic or experienced for years. This kind of depression is a silent illness that negatively impacts one’s outlook in life, health, relationships, career, and what they’re previously passionate about.
It sucks out the life and joy of an individual, and when you see it firsthand or through a loved one, it can be very challenging.
Read on to discover what persistent depressive disorder is, how it differs from depression, what signs to look out for, and how to treat it.
Persistent Depressive Disorder vs Depression
People suffering from persistent depressive disorder can have overlapping symptoms of depression. Most of them experience low self-esteem, low mood or energy levels, and a general sense of hopelessness.
The way to differentiate persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) from depression lies in two specific things:
- Persistent depressive disorder isn’t as debilitating as other types of depression
Unlike other forms of depression, persistent depressive disorder isn’t as severe and can be classified as “mild” or “moderate” compared to severe depression, for example. That isn’t to say that persistent depressive disorder isn’t difficult, as it can still affect one’s ability to participate in their social life, function in their work, and take care of their responsibilities or their passions. - Persistent depressive disorder is chronic and can last for years
Another critical factor in persistent depressive disorder is it’s persistent and can be experienced for a period of years. It doesn’t come and go like depressive episodes or seasonal depression and instead persists for a long time. When it comes to diagnosis, the time frame of symptoms is a crucial factor. With depression, the symptoms have to be ongoing for over two weeks. Persistent depressive disorder, on the other hand, needs to be persistent for at least two years before diagnosis.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are
tiny matters compared to what lies within us
Signs of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Like all mental health disorders, the symptoms can vary from person to person, especially with their specific background and realities in their life. However, there are still some common symptoms that can point towards someone suffering from persistent depressive disorder.
Not all symptoms need to be felt at the same time. With persistent depressive disorder, however, the symptoms need to be ongoing for at least two years.
Common signs of persistent depressive disorder to look out for:
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Low self-esteem
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Constantly exhausted
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Pervading feelings of guilt
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Feeling hopeless or empty
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Inability to sleep
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Lack of appetite or increased appetite causing weight change
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Inability to focus and make sound decisions
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Losing interest in previous hobbies or things that one enjoys
For most people experiencing persistent depressive disorder, their sadness becomes an ever-present factor in their day-to-day life. It sits with them during work, hangs around their shoulder when talking to friends, and becomes a fixture in their lives without noticing it.
While these symptoms are persistent, they’re only mild and not like severe depression. Because of this notion, persistent depressive disorder is hard to pinpoint because it’s normalized and can even be treated as part of someone’s personality. People suffering from persistent depressive disorder can be simply viewed as generally miserable, a “killjoy”, or just someone who keeps to themselves and is sad all the time.
Spotting persistent depressive disorder can be very hard because of this widely accepted notion when it can be challenging for the person suffering from it. If you think you or a loved one is struggling with these symptoms, the next best step is to seek an official diagnosis with a GP or a psychiatrist.
It may feel intimidating to do this at first, but this is the most crucial step before healing takes place. Persistent depressive disorder can be difficult when it’s not managed, and a person can feel alone and perpetually sad. With a diagnosis, they can feel understood, gain awareness of their condition, navigate the challenges of their persistent depressive disorder, and rebuild their life without the perpetual veil of sadness.
What Causes Persistent Depressive Disorder?
Like other kinds of depression, there is no single direct cause of persistent depressive disorder, and it differs from person to person. However, it can also be linked to the multiple causes of depression.
Here are some common causes linked with persistent depressive disorder:
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Neglect in childhood
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Abuse experienced in youth
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Traumatic life events for example grief over the loss of a loved one, divorce, losing a job, etc.
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Debilitating physical health problems that affect day-to-day life
Risk factors for persistent depressive disorder
Aside from the previous factors, a person’s environment and biological roots are also important. Here are some common risk factors to look out for:
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The individual has a family history of depression or other mental health disorders
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Chronic perfectionism and being extremely self-critical, whether it’s self-imposed or practised in the family or community
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Gender – women have a higher tendency to be depressed than men
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Age – older people are more susceptible to depression compared to younger ones
Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatment
While persistent depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder can be extremely challenging, there are already many evidence-based treatment plans which can help to manage it. It can be managed, and people suffering from it can find healing and no longer struggle in silence.
With the right tools and the willingness to heal, people suffering from this condition can find relief and carve out a better life for themselves. Below are the different treatment options that one can explore to recover from persistent depressive disorder.
Therapy
Therapy is the core of most mental health disorder treatments. And with persistent depressive disorder, different kinds of therapy approaches can be used during the recovery process. These approaches are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence-based therapy approach that helps uncover harmful thinking patterns and behaviours, and dialectic behavioural therapy (DBT), which is derived from CBT and uses methods for self-regulation.
The good thing about therapy is that the person can explore different ways that fit well for them. As mental health illness differs from person to person, so does their treatment and it is specifically designed to help the individual suffering from it.
Through therapy, the patient usually goes for an initial assessment and then attends regular appointments.
The goal of therapy is to do the following:
- Identify harmful behaviours
- Debunk negative thinking patterns
- Process difficult emotions like grief or sadness and even joy or excitement
- Talk through difficult phases in one’s life without the fear of judgment
- Develop healthy coping strategies to combat harmful thought patterns
- Foster a more positive mindset to nurture one’s well-being
Therapy can take the form of a 1:1 session, a group session, or a session with your family and loved ones. The key to therapy is that the qualified therapist carves out a safe and judgment-free space for the person so they can unburden their heavy thoughts and emotions. Through this honesty, they can collaborate and work on solutions that can specifically support them through their journey.
Medication
Alongside therapy, medication can also play a significant role in treating individuals suffering from depression. In fact, it is regarded as the first line of treatment, and it complements the work that they do in therapy.
The most common medications are the following:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as antidepressants
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Aside from these three, various other medications are also available, and they are usually prescribed by the therapist in charge of the treatment process. The dosage may vary and generally starts initially in small doses first, but it also highly depends on an individuals specific needs.
The Next Steps
Experiencing depression can be very difficult and seem like an uphill battle one has to climb on a daily basis to survive. It can feel incredibly isolating but remember: you are not alone. In fact, according to research, 1 in 6 adults in the UK experience this illness.
The good news is that more and more people are getting treated for this debilitating illness. It may seem intimidating to get treatment, but once you have permitted yourself to seek support, recovery can be achieved. It only takes one decision to start one’s healing journey.
FREE Depression Assessment
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, there is hope and healing for you. You can receive treatment as an outpatient or inpatient and through one-on-one or support group therapy. We understand the challenges you’re facing and we’re here to offer compassionate help and support.
We design personalised treatment plans that meet an individual’s unique needs and circumstances. We will work together to address your symptoms, help you develop coping strategies and enable you to live life to the full in a healthy and positive manner.
We also have a young people’s service which provides specialist depression treatment exclusively for adolescents and young people.
Our highly trained advisers are available to speak to you right away, simply call 0808 252 3379 today.
We can discuss your concerns in complete confidence, explore the options for treatment, and help you to understand what will work best for you.
We’ll also help you to book your free depression assessment there and then, with appointments usually available within only a few days.
We understand that taking the first step can be the most difficult, but we’re here to support – with no pressure or judgement.
Professional and compassionate help is just a phone call or click away.
