Introduction
You may have heard of Major Depressive Disorder. However, according to adaa.org, Persistent Depressive Disorder also exists. This article will explore what Persistent Depressive Disorder is, as well as some of the medications used for the treatment of Persistent Depressive Disorder.
What Is Persistent Depressive Disorder?
According to adaa.org, the following information can be stated about Persistent Depressive Disorder:
Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD, (formerly called dysthymia) is a form of depression that usually continues for at least two years. Although it is less severe than major depression, It involves the same symptoms as major depression, mainly low energy, poor appetite or overeating, and insomnia or oversleeping. It can manifest as stress, irritability, and mild anhedonia, which is the inability to derive pleasure from most activities. People with PDD might be thought of as always seeing the glass as half empty.
What Medications Are Used As The Treatment For Persistent Depressive Disorder?
What medications can be used as the treatment method for Persistent Depressive Disorder? According to drugs.com, the following medications can be used to treat Persistent Depressive Disorder:
People with persistent depressive disorder who think that “feeling blue” is just part of their life may be surprised to learn that antidepressant medication can be very helpful. Antidepressants recommended for this disorder are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs such as fluoxetine), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs such as venlafaxine), mirtazapine and bupropion.
Side effects vary among these choices. Problems with sexual functioning are common in most except bupropion. Anxiety may increase in the early stages of treatment, although that feeling usually subsides. Although it is relatively uncommon, any psychoactive medication can make a person feel worse rather than better.
Conclusion
This article has explored what Persistent Depressive Disorder is. Like Major Depressive Disorder, according to mayoclinic.org, a person with Persistent Depressive Disorder may experience the following symptoms:
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Sadness, emptiness or feeling down
- Hopelessness
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Low self-esteem, self-criticism or feeling incapable
- Trouble concentrating and trouble making decisions
- Irritability or excessive anger
- Decreased activity, effectiveness and productivity
- Avoidance of social activities
- Feelings of guilt and worries over the past
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Sleep problems
In addition to describing what Persistent Depressive Disorder is, this article has also described the different types of medications used to treat Persistent Depressive Disorder, including fluoxetine, venlafaxine, mirtazapine, in addition to bupropion as a treatment method for Persistent Depressive Disorder.