Persistent Depressive Disorder


If you have depression that lasts for 2 years or longer, it's called persistent depressive disorder. This term is used to describe two conditions previously known as dysthymia(low-grade persistent depression) and chronic major depression.
You may have symptoms such as:
  • Change in your appetite (not eating enough or overeating)
  • Sleep too much or too little
  • Lack of energy, or fatigue
  • Low self-esteem
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Feel hopeless
You may be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

Bipolar Disorder

Someone with bipolar disorder, which is also sometimes called "manic depression," has mood episodes that range from extremes of high energy with an "up" mood to low "depressive" periods.
When you're in the low phase, you'll have the symptoms of major depression.
Medication can help bring your mood swings under control. Whether you're in a high or a low period, your doctor may suggest a mood stabilizer, such as lithium.
The FDA has approved three medicines to treat the depressed phase:
Doctors sometimes prescribe other drugs "off label" for bipolar depression, such as the anticonvulsant lamotrigine or the atypical antipsychotic Vraylar .
Traditional antidepressants are not always recommended as first-line treatments for bipolar depression because there's no proof from studies that these drugs are more helpful than a placebo (a sugar pill) in treating depression in people with bipolar disorder. Also, for a small percentage of people with bipolar disorder, some traditional antidepressants may increase the risk of causing a "high" phase of illness, or speeding up the frequency of having more episodes over time.
Psychotherapy can also help support you and your family.

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