Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia, is a form of chronic depression. It includes symptoms similar to major depression, but they are more severe and longer lasting. Persistent depressive disorder represents a new diagnosis, combining both dysthymia and chronic major depressive disorder. If a child presents with depressed or irritable mood on most days for more than a year, he or she may have persistent depressive disorder.
The condition:
Is less severe than major depression, but lasts for longer periods of time
Is marked by persistent feeling of mild depression or irritability but may cause more extreme feelings from time to time
Is often undiagnosed, and if left untreated can lead to more serious mental health and behavioral problems
Can be treated using psychotherapy and medication
Who is affected by persistent depressive disorder?
Persistent depressive disorder is a condition that can affect anyone regardless of age, race, ethnic background, gender, or income level.
How common is persistent depressive disorder?
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. About 11 percent of 13- to 18-year-olds experience either persistent depressive disorder or major depressive disorder.
How can I tell if my child has persistent depressive disorder, or if they are just 'blue'?
Being a little sad or moody can be normal in children and adolescents. Depression involves a child’s body, mind, and thoughts. A child with depression will often demonstrate appetite or sleep changes or other changes in their behavior. Academic performance and social functioning may be affected. If these symptoms persist the child may have persistent depressive disorder. It is important for your child to be evaluated by a mental health professional if you notice significant changes in his or her mood and behavior.
You should seek prompt treatment for your child if any of the following symptoms persist for two weeks or more:
Feeling sad, worried, or hopeless
Expressing low self-esteem or making negative comparisons to peers (“I’m so stupid compared to everyone else in the class,” “I’m so much uglier than all my friends”)
Sleeping too often or not often enough
Withdrawal from family and friends (constantly staying in her room with the door closed, not taking calls or visitors)
Sudden change in weight or appetite
Unprovoked irritability, hostility, or aggression
Diminished performance in school
Complaining of headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms with no identifiable medical cause
If your child:
Begins giving away treasured possessions
Refers to “not being around” in the future
Expresses a wish to “disappear” or “sleep forever”
Expresses a desire to die
Mentions a plan to die ... you should always take these warning signs of suicide very seriously and seek immediate help.
What is the difference between persistent depressive disorder in children and in adults?
Both children and adults can be diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder. In adults, persistent depressive disorder presents with chronic depressed mood, whereas in children the mood may be irritable or depressed. Children and adolescents must present with symptoms for one year, but in adults the symptoms must be present for at least two years.
Symptoms & Causes
What causes persistent depressive disorder?
The exact cause for persistent depressive disorder is not known, but experts point to several risk factors for developing depressive disorders:
What are the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder?
A child or adolescent with persistent depressive disorder will experience a depressed or irritable mood on most days for at least a year. In addition, the child will exhibit appetite changes, sleep disturbances, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions, or feelings of hopelessness.
Diagnosis & Treatments
How is persistent depressive disorder diagnosed?
A child psychiatrist or other mental health professional typically diagnoses persistent depressive disorder after conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. Such an evaluation will involve an interview with the child and with the family. Many times the child’s school will be consulted to provide additional information.
If my child is diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, what happens next?
If your child’s healthcare provider diagnoses your child with persistent depressive disorder, treatment options will be presented to you, including the potential risks and benefits of possible treatments. Taking into consideration your opinions and preferences, your healthcare provider will work with you and your child to create the most appropriate treatment plan.
How is persistent depressive disorder treated?
Treatment for persistent depressive disorder consists of psychotherapy and medication. Evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Combination treatment using psychotherapy and antidepressant medication has shown to be the most effective intervention. The antidepressant medications most commonly used are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Children and adolescents need to be monitored very closely by their healthcare team when antidepressant medications are being initiated or doses are being increased. The Outpatient Psychiatry Service at Boston Children’s Hospital is experienced in the assessment and treatment of depressive disorders in children and adolescents. For more information please call 617-355-6680.
(How) can I prevent persistent depressive disorder?
There is some evidence that treating depression in parents can help prevent the development of depression in their children. Intervention strategies targeting families of children at risk for depression have demonstrated some efficacy for preventing depressive symptoms in these children.
What is the long-term outlook for a child with persistent depressive disorder?
Those with persistent depressive disorder are at high risk of going on to develop a major depressive episode. People that develop persistent depressive disorder earlier in life (<21 years of age) tend to have a poorer prognosis than those that develop the disorder later in life. Children with persistent depressive disorder who do not receive treatment are more likely to develop personality disorders and substance use disorders in adulthood. Early identification and treatment of the disorder is important to minimize the long-term impact on the child or adolescent.
The Community Based Acute Treatment (CBAT) Program is an intensive, short-term acute residential unit for children and adolescents experiencing behavioral health difficulties.
