What Is Double Depression? When There Is An Overlap Of Depressive Symptoms
How do I know if I suffer from double depression? What does it mean to be faced with double depression? Discover how to identify it, what its main symptoms are and what to do about this disorder.
The double depression This is when two specific types of depression overlap. That is, it is a serious condition that can become life-threatening if left untreated. In diagnostic terms, this condition refers to the coexistence of persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) and major depressive disorder. Therefore, it is a serious condition that can end up interfering in the lives of people who suffer from it, causing problems in their daily functioning and quality of life. So how can we detect this condition?
The double depression It is a complication that derives from persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia, that is, a chronic depressed mood characterized by at least one or two symptoms of clinical depression (such as lack of energy or low self-esteem). This disorder usually lasts at least two years in adults, and can persist for a long time.
Over time, more than half of dysthymia cases end up experiencing worsening symptoms, leading to major depressive disorder that overlaps with dysthymic disorder. When this happens, it is called double depression. Research on this fact has shown that people with double depression They often experience more intense feelings of hopelessness than those who suffer from major depressive disorder or persistent depressive disorder alone.
What are the characteristics of double depression?
Although it is a less common disorder than other types of depression, this condition can cause very serious complications. Primarily, the symptoms focus on experiencing symptoms of both persistent depressive disorder and major depressive disorder:
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent depressive disorder is a condition that involves experiencing the following symptoms for at least two years:
Loss of appetite
Fatigue or lack of energy
Low self-esteem
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Avoid social activities
Get irritated or angry easily
People with dysthymic disorder often express that they feel as if they are seeing the world through a dark veil or deep fog. This disorder can persist for decades if left untreated.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major depressive disorder tends to be an episodic form of depression. It is mainly characterized by experiencing very intense and recurring feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as loss of interest in activities and is accompanied by a wide variety of cognitive and physical symptoms. Some of the symptoms of this particular form of depression include:
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability or nervousness
Suicidal thoughts
People with non-chronic major depression may experience periods without depressive symptoms. So, double depression involves suffering from these two disorders at the same time.
What causes double depression?
The causes of depression They are not always clear. Instead of just one cause, studies show it may be a combination of factors such as:
Persistent low self-esteem: People who experience persistently low self-esteem are more likely to suffer from some form of depression.
Traumatic events: Having experienced a traumatic situation such as abuse, the loss of a loved one, or difficulties in a relationship, can cause people to end up suffering from double depression or other types of depression.
Genetic predisposition: The chances increase if there are family members with a history of depression, alcohol use disorder, or suicide.
Other mental disorders: Suffering from pathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or eating disorders can cause people to suffer from this condition.
Serious chronic illness: Being faced with a serious chronic illness can be one of the reasons why a person experiences double depression.
Typically, a combination of medication and therapy to address double depression Treatment typically focuses on relieving the more acute symptoms of major depression and addressing the more chronic problems related to persistent depressive disorder. In addition, there is also the possibility of surgical treatment in serious cases.
How to deal with double depression?
The double depression It can cause many obstacles for the person who suffers from it, both personally and professionally. Even so, with appropriate treatment, people can alleviate their symptoms and learn coping strategies to know how to deal with this disorder. Some of the tips that you can do along with treatment with a professional are the following:
Reduce sources of stress: Stress is one of the main contributors to having a persistently sad mood. Therefore, reducing our tasks can be an effective method to cope with the feelings of double depression.
Healthier lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you relieve the symptoms of depression.
Talk to your loved ones: The perspective of a family member or close friend will allow you to see things in a different way. Plus, telling someone you trust how you feel will help ease your feelings of hopelessness.
Have more time for yourself: Leaving yourself space to enjoy your own company or your hobbies will allow you to have greater mental well-being.
The double depression It is a condition that ends up affecting all aspects of the lives of those who suffer from it. Therefore, if you suspect that you have this disorder, it is important that you consult a professional to receive immediate treatment.
