Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

What is Persistent Depressive Disorder?

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is commonly diagnosed when someone experiences symptoms of depression for more than two years, with breaks lasting no more than a few weeks to two months. Consistently low mood over multiple years indicates a chronic mental health condition – for many people, PDD can be a life-long recurring struggle.

Thankfully, like many instances of depression, it is treatable and manageable. Long-term management of PDD symptoms can help people enjoy a better quality of life, improve their relationships, help them function at home and at work, and give them the tools and resources to identify oncoming stressors, recognize patterns that indicate depression, and know when and where to ask for help.

She looks off to the distant European Alps over lake Lugano

At What Point Does Depression Become Chronic?

Despite decades of study, the causes behind depression are still muddied and complex. There are psychological factors, biological factors, and even social factors that impact and contribute to the development and longevity of a depressive disorder. There’s no conclusive brain test or blood test to prove depression or a chronic mood disorder.

In the case of PDD, an accredited mental health professional administers a thorough diagnostic assessment which analyzes a person’s mental health history and current behavioral state to determine whether they fit the criteria for chronic depression, while excluding other potential explanations, ranging from a physical cause to recurring drug abuse.

Chronic Depression and Substance Use

Co-occurring disorders can make diagnosing and treating chronic depression difficult. Mood disorders unfortunately raise the risk of recurring substance use, and substance use disorders. Sometimes people experiencing a chronically low mood are less likely to resist opportunities to try a form of chemical escapism – in other cases, factors that contribute to depression, such as poverty and exposure to violence, conflate with factors that contribute to early drug use.

Co-occurring disorders can also make treatment of conditions like persistent depressive disorder more difficult. Addressing depression without simultaneously addressing the impact of recurring drug use is often futile.

Does Persistent Depressive Disorder End?

Consistent long-term treatment of a depressive disorder can help address and reduce symptoms of depression while the client experiences them.

Some people reach a point in their lives where they no longer experience feelings of depression. Sometimes, the feelings come back after a stressful event. Sometimes, they come back with no discernable trigger.

In some cases, they remain something that must be addressed and revisited through therapy, self-administered behavioral and cognitive control, and a myriad of coping mechanisms time and time again, for a lifetime.

Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatments at Resolutions

There’s no way to tell if depression stays gone. However, continuing to improve your mental resilience through the emotional and social support of a robust friend group or healthy family dynamic, as well as a supportive home environment, a healthy work-life balance, and attention to your physical wellbeing through diet and exercise can greatly reduce the risk and severity of depressive episodes.

At Resolutions, we promote the long-term management of depressive symptoms through a holistic outpatient approach in treatment, utilizing bespoke treatment plans that cater to each client’s individual needs, and adapt to their progress on a weekly basis.