What is the Difference Between MDD and Dysthymia?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Dysthymia, also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), are both depressive disorders with some similarities and differences in terms of symptoms, severity, and duration.
Dysthymia, or PDD, is:
- A milder, chronic form of depression
- Symptoms must last at least two years for the condition to be diagnosed
- Can significantly affect relationships, family life, social life, physical health, and daily activities
On the other hand, MDD is:
- More acute and severe
- Symptoms must last at least two weeks for the condition to be diagnosed
- Common symptoms include depressed mood, loss of appetite or overeating, problems sleeping, low energy or tiredness, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness
Some key differences between the two disorders include:
- Dysthymia involves fewer symptoms but lasts longer (at least 2 years), while MDD involves more symptoms that last at least 2 weeks
- Dysthymia can disrupt life more, even with fewer symptoms
- The severity of symptoms in MDD may be worse than those in dysthymia
It is essential to seek help from a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for either disorder. The most significant difference between the two conditions is the duration of symptoms, with dysthymia being longer-lasting than MDD.
Comparative Table: MDD vs Dysthymia
Here is a table comparing the differences between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Dysthymia (also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder):
| Feature | Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) | Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) |
|---|---|---|
| Symptom Duration | Symptoms last for at least 2 weeks | Symptoms last for at least 2 years |
| Severity of Symptoms | Symptoms are more severe | Symptoms are less severe |
| Impact on Daily Functioning | Can interfere with work, school, and relationships, potentially leading to physical illness | Can interfere with social and interpersonal relationships, but individuals are generally more functional |
| Diagnostic Criteria | Requires at least five symptoms, including a depressed mood | Requires two or more additional symptoms, such as poor appetite, overeating, insomnia, hypersomnia, low energy, fatigue, low self-esteem |
| Suicide Risk | Thoughts of death or dying may be present | Suicide risk is lower compared to MDD |
Both MDD and Dysthymia share one common symptom: a depressed mood on most days. However, MDD has more severe effects but is short-lived compared to the long-lasting symptoms of Dysthymia.
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