What is Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

Persistent depressive disorder is a mental health condition. PDD causes symptoms of low-level depression for 2 years or longer. It may also be called long-term (chronic) depression or dysthymia. PDD may include episodes of more severe depression that last for about 2 weeks (major depressive disorder or MDD).

PDD can affect the way you think, feel, and sleep. This condition may also affect your relationships. You may be more likely to get sick if you have PDD.

Symptoms of PDD occur for most of the day and may include:

• Feeling tired (fatigue).
• Low energy.
• Eating too much or too little.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Feeling restless or agitated.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Feeling worthless or guilty.
• Feeling worried or nervous (anxiety).
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
• Low self-esteem.
• A negative way of looking at things (outlook).
• Not being able to have fun or feel pleasure.
• Avoiding interacting with people.
• Getting angry or annoyed easily (irritability).
• Acting aggressive or angry.

Follow these instructions at home:

Activity

• Go back to your normal activities as told by your doctor.
• Exercise regularly as told by your doctor.

General instructions

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
• Do not drink alcohol. Or, limit how much alcohol you drink to no more than 1 drink a day for nonpregnant women and 2 drinks a day for men. One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor. Alcohol can affect any antidepressant medicines you are taking. Talk with your doctor about your alcohol use.
• Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep.
• Find activities that you enjoy each day.
• Consider joining a support group. Your doctor may be able to suggest a support group.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Where to find more information

National Alliance on Mental Illness

• www.nami.org  

U.S. National Institute of Mental Health

• www.nimh.nih.gov  

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• (1-800-273-8255).
• This is free, 24-hour help.

Contact a doctor if:

• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have new symptoms.
• You have trouble sleeping or doing your daily activities.

Get help right away if:

• You self-harm.
• You have serious thoughts about hurting yourself or others.
• You see, hear, taste, smell, or feel things that are not there (hallucinate).