Do You Have Mild, Low-Grade Depression

Do You Have Mild, Low-Grade Depression Depression Types Print Do You Have Mild, Low-Grade Depression? By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD on January 25, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Carly Snyder, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids Li Kim Goh / E+ / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping View All People with mild, low-grade depression may not even realize they are depressed. In fact, the chronic feelings of sadness and low mood they experience may have been around for so long that they feel normal.?? However, it is not normal to go through life feeling unhappy all of the time. Everyone experiences occasional bouts of low mood in response to sad or stressful life events, but constantly feeling depressed does not have to be the story of your life. Symptoms of Chronic Low-Grade Depression Chronic low-grade depression is a symptom of persistent depressive disorder (PDD), formerly known as dysthymia or dysthymic disorder.?? Dysthymia was previously listed separately from chronic major depression in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, but the disorders have since been combined as of the fifth edition, as no scientifically meaningful difference was found between them. The signs and symptoms of PDD are very similar to major depressive disorder, except that they tend to be milder and are chronic in nature.?? Symptoms of PDD include: FatigueRestlessnessSleep problemsChanges in weight or appetiteLow energy and reduced motivationSadness, tearfulness, frequent cryingFeelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guiltTrouble concentrating, focusing, and making decisionsNo longer enjoying things that used to bring pleasureThoughts of death or suicide Overview of Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) Causes As with major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder is also believed to be a multifactorial conditionâ€"meaning they are likely caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility, biochemical imbalance, life stress, and environmental circumstances.?? In about three-quarters of patients with dysthymia, the primary cause of the disorder is not clear. But people with PDD tend to have other complicating factors, such as chronic illness, another psychiatric disorder, or  substance use issues. In these cases, it becomes very difficult to say whether the depression would exist independently of the other condition. In addition, these comorbid conditions often create a vicious cycle wherein each illness makes the other more difficult to treat.?? Diagnosis Like other forms of depression, there isnt really a blood test or brain scan that can be used to make a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder. Instead, doctors must go by the signs that they can observe, as well as any symptoms patients report to them. Doctors and mental health professionals can check to see if a patients symptoms fit into a pattern laid out by the DSM-5, a guidebook for diagnosing mental disorders such as depression.?? With dysthymic disorder, doctors will need to determine if the patients symptoms have been present for an extended period of time (a minimum of two years for adults and one year for children). In addition, they will consider whether the severity of the symptoms is less than what a patient might experience with a major depressive disorder. Doctors will also use blood and urine tests to try to rule out possible medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, that could cause symptoms like chronic mild depression. Other factors a doctor will consider when making a diagnosis include a patients medical history, as well as whether there is a history of depression in their family. Treatment Persistent depressive disorder responds to many of the same treatments that are used to treat major depression. Antidepressant medications are generally prescribed, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) being a popular choice.?? In addition,  psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can often be quite helpful for people with chronic low-grade depression. Youll have to work with your mental health care provider to develop a treatment plan thats most appropriate for you. Depression Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Coping There are also several self-care treatments that can help treat chronic mild depression. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:?? Eat a varied and nutritious diet.Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.Find things to do that you enjoy.Get enough sleep and ensure you have a restful sleeping environment.Aim for 30 minutes of moderately-intense exercise most days of the week, and add vigorous exercise if you are able to do so.Seek out people for friends who are positive, supportive, and show that they care about you.Be sure that you are taking your medications correctly. Tell your doctor about any supplements or herbal remedies you take. If you have been diagnosed with dysthymia, but your depression symptoms are getting worse, make sure you talk to your doctor. They will reevaluate your symptoms and adjust your treatment if necessary. 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