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1. [From 10$/Pg] 57 Pm Persistent Depressive
[From 10$/Pg] 57 Pm Persistent Depressive Amy Perez at Sunday, July 3, 2022 9:38:57
PMPersistent Depressive Disorder Educational BlogPersistent depressive disorder, or
dysthymia, is a mood disorder described by feelings of sadness and other symptoms that
are present for most of the day, on most days, for at least one year in children and
adolescents. These feelings may appear less severe, yet more chronic, than major
depression. If there are any periods that are symptom-free within the year, these do not last
for more than two months at a time (American Psychiatric Association, 2015). In fact,
children and adolescents with dysthymia may have only some good days, but these do not
last more than several days at a time before signs and symptoms of dysthymia re-emerge
(Emslie & Mayes, 2001). Two or more of the following symptoms being experienced as
described above may indicate persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) in children or
adolescents:Poor appetite/ overeatingSleeping too much/ not sleeping enoughLow energy
levels /complaints of feeling overly tiredLow self-esteem /feelings of inadequacyPoor
concentration /difficulty in making decisionsFeeling hopeless or negative thinking and
speakingIrritability or easily frustrated/ feeling angryConstant physical complaints (i.e,
headache, stomachache, etc.)Excessive fear of rejection or failure at attemptsPoor self-
imageThoughts or attempts at self-harmGetting HelpGetting properly diagnosed is
extremely important to get the right help and treatment for yourself (or a child/adolescent
displaying signs and symptoms of persistent depressive disorder/dysthymia.) Therefore,
evaluation by a healthcare provider is necessary and should be without delay, as they can
create an individualized plan of care that may incorporate various approaches, which when
used together, depending on individual client needs, can help to significantly improve the
signs and symptoms of dysthymia. Treatment approaches include:Medications such as
fluoxetine and paroxetine (SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, is the
classification of these medications) which help balance brain chemicals to help lessen
feelings of sadness and other signs and symptoms of dysthymia. Many medication trials
have shown these medications to be helpful in managing these symptoms in these age
groups (Emslie & Mayes, 2001). Fluoxetine is also FDA approved for use in children ages 8 -
17 years.Non-pharmacological treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can
involve individual, group and/or family therapy, where children and adolescents can
discuss their emotions and behavior patterns and learn practical ways to modify them.Some
studies have shown benefits for SSRIs in combination with CBT when compared to CBT or
SSRIs alone (Effective Health Care Program et al., 2020).Resources and ReferralsVarious

2. resources and referrals exist to further guide you and your loved ones to healthcare
providers and programs within your community. If you suspect that you or a child/
adolescent you know may be suffering from dysthymia, visit one of the links below for
further guidance regarding resources in your area.In an emergency call 911If you suspect
that someone is in danger of suicide CALL: THE SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 1-800-
273-TALK (8255)Resources for Youth (aacap.org)Children, Youth and Families at Risk
(CYFAR) | National Institute of Food and Agriculture (usda.gov)For a video on better
understanding of this condition, you may watch this
videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0WNARDzjvI ReferencesAmerican
Psychiatric Association. (2015). DSM-5: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental
disorders, 5th edition. Generic.Effective Health Care Program, Viswanathan, Kennedy,
McKeeman, Christian, Coker-Schwimmer, Cook-Middleton, Bann, Lux, Randolph, & Forman-
Hoffman. (2020, April 10). Treatment of depression in children and adolescents.
effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov. https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCCER224Emslie, G. J., &
Mayes, T. L. (2001). Mood disorders in children and adolescents: Psychopharmacological
treatment. Biological Psychiatry, 49(12), 1082–1090. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-
3223(01)01149-0Medical Centric. (2021, July 16). Persistent depressive disorder (PDD),
causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. [Video]. Youtube.com.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0WNARDzjvINobile, M., Cataldo, G. M., Marino, C., &
Molteni, M. (2003). Diagnosis and treatment of dysthymia in children and adolescents. CNS
Drugs, 17(13), 927–946. https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200317130-00001