AKA Functional Depression
AKA Functional Depression | AKA High-Functioning Depression
Known to mental health professionals as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), this condition is often misunderstood as the “minor” depression. But, to those living with this condition the ever persistent feeling of emptiness is everything but minor.
What is Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
PDD is a variation of the more mainstream “depression”, major depressive disorder (MDD). Persistent depressive disorder is one of the few medical diagnosis that is simple and self explanatory. Individuals with PDD experience persistent symptoms of depression. Some sources may tell you that it is a less severe form of depression. However, persistent depressive disorder can in fact be more disabling than major depression. An estimated 3% of the population is living with “functional depression”. Unfortunately, many individuals suffer in silence because their negative affect is mislabeled as “personality”, allowing this disorder to go undiagnosed and untreated.
Persistent Depressive Disorder VS Major Depression
PDD and MDD affect individuals in very similar ways. Reports of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and general depressed mood are common. When searching for the differences in both of these serious disorders it is important to remember that the devil is always in the details.
Major depression is episodic in nature, meaning that it comes and goes. Some may never experience depression or while others experience multiple episodes as throughout life. Depression is often triggered by adverse life events and disappointments such as the death of a loved one or a break up. A diagnosis of major depression is given when one experiences intense symptoms of despair and sad mood for at least 2 weeks. During an episode one may find their negative mood so consuming that they find it difficult to work, sleep, eat, or even enjoy friends and family.
Persistent depressive disorder is classified as chronic condition. Unlike with major depression, symptoms of sadness and low mood are experienced consistently for at least 2 years. PDD has developed the reputation of “functional depression” due to the variations in symptom intensity. Those with PDD often describe symptoms as ranging between mild, moderate too severe. Possibly the most debilitating characteristic of this disorder is that even when symptoms are “mild” they never seem to fully disappear. It is also important to note that it is not uncommon to experience episodic major depression with PDD.
Could I Have Persistent Depressive Disorder?
The main symptom of PDD is a sad, low or dark mood. However, you may also notice:
Poor appetite or overeating
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Low energy/fatigue
Low self-esteem
Poor concentration/decision making
Hopelessness
What Are Treatment Options?
PDD is most effectively treated by a combination of medication, talk therapy and other supportive approaches. If you are dealing with unchecked sadness and are looking for an attentive, empathetic and knowledgeable psychiatric provider request a consultation today.
Dr. Moore looks forward to discussing how the psychcierge lifestyle can get you on the road to mental prosperity.
