Double Depression: Recognizing Its Signs and Symptoms

Understanding Double Depression: What It Is and How It Differs from Other Forms of Depression

Double depression occurs when a person with dysthymia, a type of mild but long-lasting depression, experiences an episode of major depression, which is more severe. Here we discuss what double depression is, how it occurs, and what makes it different from other forms of depression.

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What Is Double Depression?

Double depression is essentially two types of depression occurring at the same time: dysthymia and major depressive disorder (MDD). Before getting started, it’s important to note that health professionals may use the terms dysthymia and persistent depressive disorder (PDD) interchangeably. That’s because PDD and dysthymia are different names for the same condition. In fact, PDD is the newer name for the condition. Dysthymia is an older term, but it’s still commonly used.

Is Double Depression the Same as Dysthymia Disorder?

Dysthymia, also called PDD, is a depressed mood that persists for two years or longer. However, there can be short periods of normal mood during this time. The person also has a few additional symptoms of depression, but not enough to be diagnosed with major depression. Double depression occurs in people who already have dysthymia. This means dysthymia is one component of double depression. However, double depression also consists of major depression, so it’s not the same as dysthymia.

How Does Double Depression Present?

Double depression occurs when dysthymia becomes exacerbated. A person with dysthymia already has some symptoms of depression on a long-term basis. These include depressed mood as well as one or two other symptoms. When double depression develops, the person will experience more symptoms of depression, and their depressed mood may be more severe.

What Is Dysthymia?

Dysthymia causes a low-grade depressive mood, and it persists for some time. To be diagnosed with dysthymia, this low-grade depressive mood must have lasted for two years or longer. Major depressive episodes are not classified as a symptom of dysthymia. Therefore, the low mood you experience will be relatively mild but chronic, and you may experience some brief moments where your mood appears fine.

How Is Double Depression Different from Major Depression without Dysthymia?

Major depression disorder (MDD), also called clinical depression, is characterized by a persistent low and chronic mood. However, MDD’s symptoms are severe and significantly impact daily life. People with MDD have more symptoms of depression and more severe symptoms than those with dysthymia. These symptoms can interfere with daily life and prevent someone from achieving the things they usually would.

Can Double Depression Be Prevented?

All types of depression can be unpredictable, and it’s not always possible to prevent episodes of depression. One way to try to prevent double depression is by treating dysthymia. When the underlying chronic depression is addressed, you’re less likely to experience an episode of double depression. Some studies have looked at preventative strategies for depression overall. These techniques aim to equip people with coping mechanisms and life skills to help them endure stressors that are potential triggers of depression. There have been several therapy programs that have been shown to reduce the likelihood of major depression. In addition, there are lifestyle changes that can help reduce the likelihood of depression.

Diagnosis

Only a doctor or a trained mental health professional (such as a psychologist) can diagnose you with double depression or any other type of depression.

How Should Double Depression Be Treated?

Like most other types of depression, double depression can be treated with cognitive therapy or medication. In people with double depression, the duration of treatment may need to be extended compared with the duration used for other types of depression.