Skip to content

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) What Is It?

A persistent, protracted form of depression is known as persistent depressive disorder. You can experience sadness and emptiness, lose interest in routine tasks, and struggle to complete them. You might also experience low self-esteem, failure, and hopelessness. Keep reading to learn more about this condition.


What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder? Definition Of Dysthymia

What Is Dysthymia? Dysthymia Definition and Dysthymia Meaning

Definition Of Persistent Depressive Disorder, Define Dysthymia Disorder: a persistent, protracted form of depression known as persistent depressive disorder. Persistent Depressive Disorder is characterized by sadness and emptiness, loss of interest in routine tasks, and struggle to complete them. You might also experience low self-esteem, failure, and hopelessness. These emotions might persist for years and can get in the way of your relationships, studies, job, and everyday routine.

Even in pleasant moments, it could be difficult for someone with a chronic depressive disorder to feel positive. You can be characterized as having a depressing disposition, moaning all the time, or lacking the ability to have fun. The severity of your current depressed mood may be mild, moderate, or severe, but the persistent depressive disorder is not as bad as major depression.

Dealing with depression symptoms might be difficult due to the persistent depressive disorder’s duration. Treatment for this illness may involve both medication and talk therapy.

What Is Dysthymia Disorder? Definition Dysthymia: Chronic depression can take the form of persistent depressive disorder (PDD). The name combines dysthymia and persistent major depressive disorder, two older diagnoses.

Persons with PDD may feel extreme despair and hopelessness, just like people with other types of depression. Although these symptoms are present in all types of depression, they may last much longer in PDD.

Since these sensations are ongoing, the disorder may affect one’s ability to concentrate in class, perform well at a job, or maintain close personal bonds. To treat PDD, however, a mix of medication and treatment may be helpful.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Symptoms (Dysthymia Symptoms)

Symptoms of persistent depressive illness typically appear and disappear over several years. Over time, symptoms’ severity can vary. However, symptoms typically last for longer than two months at a time. Major depressive episodes can also happen prior to or during persistent depressive illness.

PDD symptoms are comparable to depressive symptoms. The main distinction is that PDD is persistent, with symptoms showing up almost every day for at least two years.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Criteria: DSM 5 Persistent Depressive DisorderDepression Dysthymia

Dysthymia Criteria, Persistent Depressive Disorder Criteria Dsm 5: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) symptoms are frequently used by medical professionals to identify PDD. American Psychiatric Association is the organization that published this guidebook.

Having a persistent depressive disorder can lead to serious issues in your life, symptoms of dysthymia or symptoms of persistent depressive disorder can include:

  • Sadness, emptiness, or feeling down.
  • Loss of interest in daily activities.
  • Tiredness and lack of energy.
  • Low self-esteem, self-criticism, or feeling you’re not capable.
  • Trouble focusing clearly and making decisions.
  • Problems getting things done well and on time.
  • Quickly becoming annoyed, impatient, or angry.
  • Avoidance of social activities.
  • Feelings of guilt and worries over the past.
  • Poor appetite or overeating.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Hopelessness.
Persistent Depressive Disorder Definition: A persistent, protracted form of depression is known as persistent depressive disorder.
Persistent Depressive Disorder Definition: A persistent, protracted form of depression is known as persistent depressive disorder.

Learn More:

Dysthymia Disorder: When to See a Doctor?

Avoid confusing yourself by doing an online dysthymia test, is better to visit your doctor right from the beginning. You might believe these emotions will always be a part of your life if they bother you for a while. However, get medical attention if you have any indications of chronic depression condition.

Consult a mental health professional for assistance or discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Or you can get in touch with someone else who might be able to point you in the direction of treatment. This could be a teacher, a member of your religious community, a friend, or another trusted individual.

Call 911 in the United States or your local emergency number right away if you think you might damage yourself or make an attempt at suicide. Alternatively, call a suicide hotline. To contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week in the United States, phone or text 988. Alternatively, use Lifeline Chat. Services are completely free and private. There is a Spanish-speaking phone line for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States at 888-628-9454. (toll-free).

Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.

Searching for Accredited Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Centers Near You?

Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.

FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services Hotline

Depression Fact Sheet

Depression Overview

Depression is a group of illnesses like depression or bipolar disorder that are connected to mood elevation or depression


Types of Depression

Clinical Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

Persistent depressive disorder: A mild but long-term form of depression.

Bipolar disorder: A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

Bipolar II disorder:  A type of bipolar disorder characterized by depressive and hypomanic episodes.

Postpartum depression: Depression that occurs after childbirth.

Depression Treatments

  • Support group: A place where those pursuing the same disease or objective, such as weight loss or depression, can receive counseling and exchange experiences.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy: A conversation treatment that aimed to change the negative attitudes, actions, and feelings connected to psychiatric discomfort.
  • Counseling psychology: A subfield of psychology that handles issues with the self that are connected to work, school, family, and social life.
  • Anger management: To reduce destructive emotional outbursts, practice mindfulness, coping skills, and trigger avoidance.
  • Psychoeducation: Mental health education that also helps individuals feel supported, validated, and empowered
  • Family therapy: psychological counseling that improves family communication and conflict resolution.

Depression Statistics

It’s critical to understand the distinction between anxiety and depression. Anxiety, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worry, whereas depression, in its most basic form, is an excessive feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. It is conceivable for someone to experience depression and anxiety simultaneously.


6.8 million

GAD affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

19 million

19 million adults experience specific phobias, making it the most common anxiety disorder in America.  

Source: ADAA2020

17.3 million

Major depressive disorder affects approximately 17.3 million American adults or about 7.1% of the U.S. population aged 18 and older.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health


Major Depressive Disorder Vs Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia Vs Depression)

How Does Persistent Depressive Disorder Compare To Major Depressive Disorder? How Does Persistent Depressive Disorder Compared To Major Depressive DisorderMDD Vs Persistent Depressive Disorder

PDD symptoms are comparable to depressive symptoms. The main distinction is that PDD is persistent, with symptoms showing up almost every day for at least two years.
PDD symptoms are comparable to depressive symptoms. The main distinction is that PDD is persistent, with symptoms showing up almost every day for at least two years.

Compare And Contrast Major Depression With Dysthymia Depression.

There are two types of depression: major depressive disorder (MDD) and persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or Dysthymia. Both illnesses have an impact on a person’s daily life. What’s the Difference between persistent depressive disorder and major depressive disorder?

In the US, Persistant Depressive Disorder, formerly known as dysthymic disorder, affects 1.5% of adults. PDD is more common in females than in males.

7.1% of individuals in the U.S. suffer from MDD, making it one of the most prevalent mental health conditions there. Additionally, girls are more prone than males to develop it.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Vs Major Depressive DisorderMDD Vs Dysthymia

Persistent Depressive Disorder Vs MDD: The difference between major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder relays on the length of the symptoms. The symptoms of Persistent Depression Disorder in an adult must have persisted for at least two years for a diagnosis to be made. Adults with MDD, on the other hand, go through significant depressive episodes that are separated by at least two months.

The distinctions between significant and chronic depressive illnesses are discussed below. We go over their signs and symptoms, root causes, remedies, and more.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Dysthymia Vs Major DepressionDysthymia Vs MDD (Difference Between Mdd And Persistent Depressive Disorder)

You may have a persistent depressive disorder (Chronic Dysthymia) if you experience depression on a regular basis, find it difficult to get through the day, feel hopeless, and experience no respite for weeks on end. Although less severe than major depression, this is a legitimate mental illness that can nonetheless have detrimental effects. Get assistance and a diagnosis by reaching out. Residential care is beneficial.

Major Depression Vs DysthymiaMajor Depressive Disorder Vs Dysthymia (Depression Vs Dysthymia)

Depression is a clinical word that covers a number of subcategories, a description of a mood, and a mental condition. Depression of any kind affects mood and daily functioning. Indicators of depression include symptom kind and duration, age and gender, medical condition, and more. Some examples include:

  • Serious, enduring sadness and other symptoms of major depression make it exceedingly challenging to function or enjoy life.
  • A milder, longer-lasting, more chronic form of depression is known as persistent depressive disorder.
  • Periods of mania, a heightened and dangerously high-energy mood, alternate with bipolar sadness.
  • The symptoms of perinatal and postpartum depression, which can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening, appear during and after pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that manifests in the days or even weeks prior to menstruation.
  • Depression brought on by seasonal affective disorder typically occurs in the winter but can also happen in the spring and summer.
  • A severe case of depression known as psychotic depression results in hallucinations and delusions.

Major Vs Persistent Depressive DisorderPersistent Vs Major Depressive Disorder

Daifference Between Persistent And Major Depressive Disorder: other forms of depression are also recognized by mental health specialists, such as situational depression, which happens in response to a significant life event, such as a death. Depression may be brought on by specific conditions or drugs. There are also atypical forms of depression, which don’t always manifest in the same ways as other kinds.

Dysthymia Causes (Persistent Depressive Disorder Causes)

Everyone has the potential to experience depression at any time. 19.4 million Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, had at least one major depressive episode in 2019 alone. This roughly corresponds to 7.9% of all adults in America.

A further 2.5 percent of Americans will at some point in their lives develop PDD. PDD’s underlying etiology is unknown. The condition may occur as a result of specific factors. These consist of:

  • Imbalances in brain circuitry
  • Stressful or traumatic life events, such as the loss of a loved one or financial problems
  • Physical brain trauma, such as a concussion
Ryan Zofay forming a circle and hugging friends.

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

Hotline (855) 940-6125

Cyclothymia Vs Dysthymia

Your ability to perform routine duties at home, school, or job is affected by the extreme, unexpected mood swings and energy swings that are brought on by the bipolar disease. Many people believe that cyclothymic disorder is a milder version of bipolar disorder.

You experience brief, transitory episodes of depression that don’t last as long (less than 2 weeks at a time) as in a severe depressive episode when you have a cyclothymic disorder. You also experience low-grade euphoric times (hypomanias). Similar to bipolar II illness, the cyclothymic disorder causes hypomanias that do not develop into full-blown manias. For instance, you might experience an inflated sensation of strength or productivity, but you don’t lose touch with reality. Some people even claim that the “highs” associated with the cyclothymic disorder are nice. 

Persistent Depressive Disorder With Anxious Distress

It is well known that depression and anxiety disorders frequently coexist. In actuality, the majority of researchers concur that they co-occur at least 60% of the time. Because of their close ties, most antidepressants are frequently also useful for treating anxiety, which is strongly correlated with low serotonin levels. Given these details, it should come as no surprise that for some individuals, the beginning of a certain type of anxiety that is consistent with depression occurs during an episode of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Dysphoria Vs Dysthymia (Dysthymia Vs Dysphoria)

Dysphoria is a psychological state that frequently results from or goes along with a mental health issue. Dysphoria can also be brought on by stress, sadness, poor relationships, and other environmental issues.

Since dysphoria is frequently a mood, it is possible for someone to experience it briefly. Long-term dysphoric moods are also possible in people, and they are frequently closely related to mental health issues that have a negative impact on moods, such as major depression, mania, and cyclothymia.

Dysphoria can also be brought on by health issues and nutritional deficiencies. For instance, patients with hypoglycemia may report experiencing dysphoria, and the strain of a chronic illness can result in unpleasant and frustrating emotions that might be classified as dysphoria.

First-class Facilities & Amenities

World-class High-Quality Mental Health Services & Behaviroal Health Substance Abuse Treatment

Rehab Centers Tour

Renowned Mental Health Centers. Serene Private Facilities. Inpatient Rehab Programs Vary.

Mental Health Helpline (855) 940-6125

Proven recovery success experience, backed by a Team w/ History of:

  • 15+ Years Experience
  • 100s of 5-Star Reviews
  • 10K+ Recovery Successes
  • Low Patient to Therapist Ratio
  • Comprehensive Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
  • Complimentary Family & Alumni Programs
  • Coaching, Recovery & Development Events
  • Comfortable Onsite Medical Detox Center

Dysthymia Treatment: Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatment

Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatments: Dysthymia Treatments

Psychotherapy and prescription medication are frequently used as a treatment for persistent depressive disorder.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Medication: Dysthymia Medication

Medication For Persistent Depressive Disorder: Medical professionals may recommend various types of antidepressants to treat PDD, including:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and amoxapine (Asendin)
  • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Psychotherapy and prescription medication are frequently used as a treatment for dysthymia.
Treatments For Persistent Depressive Disorder: Psychotherapy and prescription medication are frequently used as a treatment for dysthymia.

Treatments For DysthymiaTreatment Of Persistent Depressive Disorder

To find an appropriate treatment for your particular circumstance, you might need to experiment with several drugs and dosages. As many drugs take several weeks to fully take effect, patience is needed for this.

If you continue to have questions regarding your medicine, speak with your doctor. Your doctor might advise switching medications or doses. Never stop taking your prescription without first consulting your doctor. Sudden therapy discontinuation or numerous missed doses may result in withdrawal-like symptoms and exacerbate depressive symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder TherapyPersistent Depressive Disorder Psychotherapy

The best strategy for treating PDD is a mix of medication and psychotherapy. Medical practitioners frequently advise participating in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychotherapy.

Sessions with a mental health professional are often part of psychotherapy, sometimes known as talk therapy. These can take place either physically or virtually through phone or video calls. You can take part in sessions with other people.

Along with your thoughts and emotions, CBT also concentrates on your deeds and behaviors. In CBT, you will strive to pinpoint and address the issues that are contributing to your depression. This will entail speaking with mental health specialists who can assist you in accepting your symptoms and developing effective PDD coping mechanisms.

This type of therapy may not only benefit you in the short term but also lower your risk of recurrence in the future. Learning these skills through therapy will benefit you:

  • Express your thoughts and feelings in a healthy way
  • Cope with your emotions
  • Adjust to a life challenge or crisis
  • Identify thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that trigger or aggravate symptoms
  • Replace negative beliefs with positive ones
  • Regain a sense of satisfaction and control in your life
  • Set realistic goals for yourself

Persistent Depressive Disorder Self-Care (Dysthymia Self-Care)

Being actively involved in your treatment is crucial because PDD is a chronic disorder. Certain lifestyle changes can support medical therapies and aid in symptom relief. Along with your prescribed treatment plan, making the following lifestyle adjustments may be helpful:

  • Exercising at least three times per week (persistent depressive disorder physical exercise)
  • Eating a diet rich in natural foods, such as fruits and vegetables
  • Avoiding drugs and alcohol
  • Seeing an acupuncturist
  • Practicing yoga, tai chi, or meditation
  • Writing in a journal

World-class, Accredited, 5-Star Reviewed, Effective Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Programs. Complete Integrated Inpatient Rehab with Free Post Discharge Therapy Planning.

CALL (855) 940-6125

End the Emotional Pain Rollercoaster. Gain Stability & Happiness Through Recovery Treatment. Start Mental Health Counseling Today. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Behaviroal Health Specialists Who Understand Mental Health Recovery.

We Level Up Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The definition of dual diagnosis (also referred to as co-occurring disorders) can differ between institutions. However, it is generally described as the specific treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder at the same time. Treating dual-diagnosis clients is a critical aspect of our inpatient treatment experience because co-occurring disorders are strongly correlated with instances of substance abuse.

Creating a treatment plan that addresses the physical aspects of withdrawal, the psychological connection with drug use, and managing underlying mental health disorders is part of setting clients up for success.  A thorough mental health analysis identifies possibilities for treatment.  Meeting with mental health counselors and medical care providers means access to behavioral therapy and medication treatment. At our dual diagnosis treatment center, We Level Up can implement the highest quality of care. 

We recognize the fragile complexities of how mental and substance abuse disorders can influence others and sometimes result in a vicious cycle of addiction.  That’s why we offer specialized treatment in dual-diagnosis cases to provide the most excellent chance of true healing and long-lasting recovery.

It can be challenging to accept that you may be living with a mental illness, but once it is properly diagnosed and treated, treating the presenting case of substance abuse can be magnitudes easier. Only a properly trained medical professional can diagnose these underlying conditions.  If you believe you are suffering from a disorder alongside addiction, we urge you to seek a qualified treatment center to begin your journey to recovery. Call We Level Up today.

Experience Transformative Recovery at the We Level Up Treatment Center.

See our authentic success stories. Get inspired. Get the help you deserve.

We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy We Level Up Treatment Centers for Drug Alcohol Rehab Detox Behavioral Mental Health Dual Diagnosis Therapy
Hotline (855) 940-6125

Start a New Life

Begin with a free call to a behavioral health treatment advisor. Learn more about our dual-diagnosis programs. The We Level Up treatment center network delivers recovery programs that vary by each treatment facility. Call to learn more.

  • Personalized Care
  • Caring Accountable Staff
  • World-class Amenities
  • Licensed & Accredited
  • Renowned w/ 5-Star Reviews

We’ll Call You


Search We Level Up FL Persistent Depressive Disorder Resources

Table of Contents