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:
- family history of depressive disorder
- temperamental factors: negative affectivity
- environmental stressors such as:
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.
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.
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.
(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.
