Everyone feels sad sometimes, but depression is much more than that. It’s a complex mental health disorder that affects more than 20 million people in the U.S., and there are several different types. Guidelight Health provides specialized programs for people experiencing depression and other mental health conditions. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between major and persistent depressive disorder and how they’re treated.
What is major depressive disorder?
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that causes overwhelming feelings of sadness or hopelessness and a disinterest in the activities you usually enjoy. It affects how you think and feel and can make it hard to function daily. Also called clinical depression, this illness can yield several symptoms, including:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness or worthlessness
- Irritability or pessimism
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Talking, moving or thinking more slowly
- Feeling more fidgety than usual
- Low energy and fatigue
- Sleeping issues
- Forgetfulness
- Lack of motivation to maintain hygiene
- Suicidality
Depression can also manifest physically. For instance, you may experience muscle aches, headaches, appetite changes that result in weight gain or loss, digestive problems, and other symptoms.
Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support in a mental health crisis.
What is persistent depressive disorder?
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), formerly known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression. Its symptoms are often less severe than those of MDD but last much longer and can still cause significant impairment. The main symptom of this mental health condition is a low, sad or dark mood that persists nearly every day, plus at least a couple of the following symptoms:
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Appetite changes
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Low self-esteem
- Sleeping either too much or too little
- Trouble concentrating and making decisions
- Difficulty performing everyday activities
Even though the symptoms of PDD are less severe, they can still affect your emotional, mental and physical well-being.
Major depressive disorder vs. persistent depressive disorder
The primary difference between MDD and PDD is the duration and severity of symptoms. PDD typically has less intense, longer-lasting symptoms. You may be diagnosed with it if you experience a depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years. Someone with MDD typically experiences more severe symptoms that last at least two weeks.
What causes MDD and PDD?
Depression can stem from a wide variety of causes. Research shows MDD and PDD both tend to affect more women than men, but sex isn’t the only factor. Several other things can increase your risk of developing a depressive disorder, such as:
- Family history of depression
- Brain chemistry imbalances
- Lack of strong social connections
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer, sleep disorders)
- Some medications (e.g., opioids, corticosteroids)
- Environmental factors
- Stressful or traumatic life events
- Childhood development
- Substance use
How is depression diagnosed?
Before diagnosing you with a specific type of depression, your provider will evaluate your symptoms and physical health. They’ll need to know how long you’ve been feeling this way, the reasons why you might be feeling depressed and other key indicators. They also consider your age, as children and adolescents may experience slightly different symptoms (e.g., irritability vs. sadness). Additionally, your doctor will do an exam and order lab tests to assess your physical wellness and rule out possible medical causes of the symptoms.
Once their initial assessment is complete, they’ll create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific condition and your recovery goals.
How are MDD and PDD treated?
Your treatment plan for MDD or PDD may involve a combination of medication and psychotherapy or counseling. Antidepressants can help make your symptoms feel more manageable as you learn and apply healthy coping skills. Your therapist may also recommend common stress management techniques, like mindfulness meditation or creative outlets to express your emotions. Other ways to treat MDD and PDD include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is an approach that helps you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. Your therapist helps you recognize what’s contributing to your depression and teaches you the coping skills to manage or overcome those thoughts and behaviors.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
DBT is for people experiencing intense emotions, and it’s based on the concept that two opposing ideas can be true at the same time (dialectical). This approach to therapy focuses on helping you accept your thoughts, feelings and realities and make meaningful changes.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
ACT is an approach that teaches you how to accept your thoughts and feelings as appropriate responses and learn to understand them, rather than change them. The goal of ACT is to help prevent you from denying or struggling with them and move forward.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Some providers may recommend TMS, a noninvasive approach that helps influence the brain’s natural electrical activity using a magnetic field. It’s typically reserved for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Reach out to Guidelight for expert mental health care
You don’t have to manage your mental health alone. Guidelight mental health professionals provide personalized, evidence-based treatment for adults and adolescents with depressive disorders, including MDD and PDD. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) are available in several states. We also offer a virtual program through a user-friendly, HIPAA-compliant platform.
Everyone has a seat at Guidelight. Contact our team online or call us today for more information about treating depression or to schedule an initial evaluation.