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ABC Medical Center > Persistent depressive disorder

What is Persistent depressive disorder?

21:56 - 4 May , 2021

Disease

Also known as dysthymia, it is a type of condition characterized by chronic depressive episodes that manifest permanently in the patient, causing low self-esteem, apathy, and disinterest in daily activities. This low state of mind can manifest for many years and undermine personal and work relationships by continuously facing emotions of sadness and discouragement, even in happy situations.

Persistent depressive disorder can appear in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. It is more common in women and although its origin is unknown, studies indicate that it may be due to:

  • History of other mental health problems, such as a personality disorder.
  • Changes in neurotransmitters and the way they relate to the neurocircuitry responsible for maintaining mood stability.
  • Biological abnormalities in the brain.
  • Family members with depressive disorders.
  • Present negative personality traits (self-criticism, pessimism, dependency).
  • Traumatic situations related to the loss of loved ones or material goods.

The most frequent complications include:

  • Drug addiction.
  • Low school and work productivity.
  • Suicidal behavior or thoughts.
  • Family or work conflicts.
  • Major depression
  • Chronic pain.
  • Presence of other diseases.
  • Mental health disorders.

Signs and symptoms Persistent depressive disorder

They are cyclical and can be mild, moderate, or severe, with the possibility of manifesting in deep or major depressive periods:

  • Isolation.
  • Low self-esteem, feeling incapable or useless.
  • Fatigue.
  • Loss of hope.
  • Lack of interest in daily activities.
  • Fatigue, lack of energy.
  • Being unproductive.
  • Loss of appetite or overeating.
  • Sleep disorders.
  • Irritability.
  • Rage.
  • Problems concentrating and making decisions
  • Guilt.
  • Excessive worries.
  • Sad episodes.
  • Existential vacuum.

If you have any of the above symptoms, you must go to a mental health specialist to assess you and design a treatment program to prevent these symptoms from increasing and putting your health and well-being at risk.

Diagnosis and treatment Persistent depressive disorder

Once the specialist analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical, neurological, and psychological examination to determine the possible causes of persistent depressive disorder, supported by blood and urine tests, as well as imaging studies such as MRI and computed tomography if required.

The treatment to follow will depend on your severity, age, and general health, but it basically consists of attacking the symptoms through a combination of drugs, psychotherapy, and support groups.

At the Neurological Center, a select group of highly trained and certified doctors in the various neurological specialties are ready to assist you with the quality and warmth that characterizes us.

Nervous system specialties

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Spine surgery
  • Pediatric neurosurgery
  • Neurophysiology
  • Neuro-rehabilitation
  • Neuro-pathology
  • Interventional neuro-radiology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Neuro-otology
  • Epilepsy
  • Neuro-ophthalmology
  • Neuroimaging

Fuentes:

  • clevelandclinic.org
  • topdoctors.es
  • mayocilinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • mindyra.com
  • msdmanuals.com
  • medigraphic.com
  • Rodríguez-Alejo DI, Cisneros-Ramos M, Robles-Cedeño LA. Psicoterapia integrativa en un caso de trastorno depresivo persistente. Rev Elec Psic Izt. 2018;21(1):355-385.
  • Vázquez MA, Mukamutara J. Depresión en pacientes con diabetes mellitus y su relación con el control glucémico. MediSan. 2020;24(05):847-860.
  • Piñar SG, Suárez BG, De La Cruz VN. Actualización sobre el trastorno depresivo mayor. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2020;5(12):1-16.
  • Hernández-Chávez L, Muñiz-Quintero NR, Gutiérrez-Leyva MM, et al. Depresión en un centro geriátrico comunitario en Quintana Roo. Salud Quintana Roo. 2016;9(35):6-10.

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    The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.