Welcome to the “Sober is Dope” Podcast with your host, POP Buchanan. This episode is part of our Mental Health series. In this episode we cover Persistent Depressive Disorder, commonly known as “Dysthymia”. Dysthymia is described as “High Functioning Depression.” According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual), Dysthymia is known as chronic depression, because the primary feature of persistent depressive disorder is a depressed mood that doesn’t go away over a long period of time. The essential feature of persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is a depressed mood that occurs for most of the day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years (at least 1 year for children and adolescents).

Symptoms of Chronic Depression

This disorder represents a consolidation of DSM-IV-defined chronic major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder. Major depression may precede persistent depressive disorder, and major depressive episodes may occur during persistent depressive disorder. Individuals whose symptoms meet major depressive disorder criteria for 2 years should be given a diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder as well as major depressive disorder.

Individuals with persistent depressive disorder describe their mood as sad or “down in the dumps.” During periods of depressed mood, at least two of the following six symptoms from are present:

* Poor appetite or overeating

* Insomnia or hypersomnia

* Low energy or fatigue

* Low self-esteem

* Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions

* Feelings of hopelessness

Because these symptoms have become a part of the individual’s day-to-day experience, particularly in the case of early onset (e.g., “I’ve always been this way”), they may not be reported unless the individual is directly prompted. During the 2-year period (1 year for children or adolescents), any symptom-free intervals last no longer than two months.

In children and adolescents, their mood may also be marked by increased and significant irritability for a year or longer.

Free National Helpline

SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

7 signs you may have high functioning depression by Psych2GO

Video- https://youtu.be/vbEL_zQH46w

6 ways to cope with high functioning depression by Psych2Go

Video- https://youtu.be/c_gqTkwiGys

Intro by Rich Wilkerson Jr - Are you Ok?

Video - https://youtu.be/c_gqTkwiGys