Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a form of depression where symptoms last for years at a time. Though symptoms of PDD are usually milder than those found in major depression, the depressed mood lasts for a much longer period of time. This chronic aspect of the condition is the main difference between persistent depressive order and a major depressive episode. Though the conditions seem to overlap in symptoms it is still possible to have a major depressive episode that occurs during a period of persistent depressive disorder, in what is known as double depression. Dealing with depression can be difficult for anyone, however the longer lasting symptoms of PDD can add even more stress to their life, making treatments an essential part of living …show more content…
One such stressor can be a traumatic event in someone’s life. The loss of a loved one, relationship trouble, or poor performance in work or school are all stress inducing events in life. These stresses affect everyone differently but all have the capacity to induce PDD in an individual. Furthermore, research has been done as to why similarly stressful events can affect individuals differently. it has been found that a combination of brain chemistry and hereditary traits can affect the likelihood of developing PDD. When naturally occurring brain chemicals operate abnormally, the proper connections to regulate mood in an individual can be disrupted. Therefore, this can cause an individual to have more difficulty in controlling their feelings leading to disorders such as Dysthymia. PDD is also found to be more common among individuals whose family members also have depression. The specific gene(s) that cause depression have not yet been found and therefore an unreliable method to obtaining a diagnoses. The only method of diagnoses is talking to your