Persistent Depressive Disorder

Excerpt

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) was a new diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) in 2013 that combined dysthymia and chronic major depressive disorder. The classification of depressive symptoms has a complicated history dating back to the description of melancholic temperament by Hippocrates. According to the DSM-5, persistent depressive disorder is characterized by a depressed mood that occurs for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years, or at least 1 year for children and adolescents. Major depression may precede PDD, and major depressive episodes may occur during PDD, which is known as double depression. PDD may begin early in life, and depressive symptoms may wax and wane but never fully resolve.