Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD/Dysthymia) in DSM-5 requires depressed mood for at least how long in adults, and which symptom count distinguishes it from Major Depressive Disorder?

• A 2 years; at least 2 additional depressive symptoms (out of 6 listed), not meeting full MDE criteria for 2 years ✓
• B 1 year; at least 4 additional depressive symptoms, not meeting MDE criteria
• C 2 years; at least 5 additional depressive symptoms identical to MDE criteria
• D 6 months; at least 2 additional depressive symptoms, not meeting full MDE criteria

Explanation

DSM-5 PDD requires depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years in adults (1 year in children/adolescents), with at least 2 of: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration, hopelessness. The key distinction from MDD is the lower symptom threshold (2 additional symptoms vs. 5 total for MDD) and that the patient must never have been without symptoms for more than 2 months during the 2-year period. Importantly, MDE may co-occur with PDD ('double depression').

Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.