Persistent depressive disorder is defined as two years of MDD symptoms plus two years of subthreshold symptoms. True or False?

Persistent depressive disorder is defined as two years of MDD symptoms plus two years of subthreshold symptoms. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in adolescents
• D. Not defined

Answer: (A)

The main idea is chronicity with persistent depressive symptoms. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is defined by a depressed mood most of the day for most days, lasting at least two years in adults (one year in children and adolescents), plus at least two other depressive symptoms (such as changes in appetite or sleep, low energy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, or hopelessness). During that two-year span, there should not be a break in symptoms lasting more than two months. Major depressive episodes can occur at times during this period, but the two-year duration is the total period of depressive symptoms, not two separate blocks. The statement describing two years of MDD symptoms plus two years of subthreshold symptoms mischaracterizes the criterion. It isn’t about two consecutive two-year blocks of different severity; it’s about a single extended period of at least two years with persistent depressive symptoms, with or without superimposed major depressive episodes.

The main idea is chronicity with persistent depressive symptoms. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is defined by a depressed mood most of the day for most days, lasting at least two years in adults (one year in children and adolescents), plus at least two other depressive symptoms (such as changes in appetite or sleep, low energy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, or hopelessness). During that two-year span, there should not be a break in symptoms lasting more than two months. Major depressive episodes can occur at times during this period, but the two-year duration is the total period of depressive symptoms, not two separate blocks.

The statement describing two years of MDD symptoms plus two years of subthreshold symptoms mischaracterizes the criterion. It isn’t about two consecutive two-year blocks of different severity; it’s about a single extended period of at least two years with persistent depressive symptoms, with or without superimposed major depressive episodes.