Minor Depression: Is There Such A Thing?
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Like many mental health disorders, depression can present on a spectrum. While some experience severe symptoms that substantially interfere with their functional ability, others may have low-level symptoms that can persist for years. This is often referred to as persistent depressive disorder and can also be called dysthymia, minor depression, or chronic depression. Although this type of depression may not impact daily life as much as major depressive disorder, treatment can still be helpful. Attending therapy sessions online or in person with a licensed therapist can alleviate symptoms and help you heal.
What is major depression?
Mental health experts at the American Psychiatric Association describe depression as a serious medical condition that can adversely affect how a person thinks, acts, and feels. This mental illness typically involves overwhelming and lingering feelings of sadness or hopelessness and a substantial decrease in the ability to take pleasure from or interest in many aspects of daily life.
Symptoms can range from intense and debilitating to low-level chronic effects on mood and personality and can be reflected in several disorder classifications. Left untreated, major depression can significantly impair one's ability to function in daily activities, relationships, and work.
While no long-term “cure” may exist, depression can be a treatable mental health condition, and you can often manage symptoms to reduce their effect on your day-to-day life.
Classifications of depressive disorders
Depression symptoms can occur with several mood disorders, including those listed below.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
The most severe and most common form of depression is generally considered to be major depressive disorder. In order to meet the criteria for major depressive disorder, symptoms must persist for at least two weeks, cause mental, emotional, or physical distress, and interfere with functional ability in one or more areas of daily life.
Bipolar mental health disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is usually characterized by alternating cycles of high-energy mania and longer depressive episodes. The diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder also include major depressive disorder.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Depression symptoms that coincide with the changes in the seasons and fade as the weather shifts, typically in spring and winter, can be signs of seasonal affective disorder.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
PMDD usually involves mood-altering symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and depression associated with the menstrual cycle.
Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Chronic low-level depression symptoms that persist for at least two years and are less severe than those of major depression may be signs of dysthymia.
Perinatal depression disorder
Perinatal depression disorder typically refers to depression symptoms experienced during pregnancy or after childbirth. Non-birthing parents, foster caregivers, and adoptive parents can also develop postpartum depression after bringing a child into the home.
Atypical depression in major depression
Atypical depression can involve symptoms of major depressive disorder that present in atypical ways, with the primary difference usually being temporary mood improvement in response to positive events. Despite these mood improvements, individuals with atypical depression still experience the persistent challenges characteristic of major depression.
Depression related to physical illness
Hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and other medical conditions can cause depression symptoms in some cases. Treating the underlying condition may alleviate symptoms.
Why depression symptoms can look different for everyone
Mental health conditions often look different for each person experiencing them because many symptoms affect how they think, act, and feel. Two people can go through the same event and have entirely separate recollections of it. Mental illnesses and their symptoms can be as unique as those experiencing them. While there are often some commonalities, it can be essential to remember that depression symptoms and treatments are largely individual.
Can you have minor depression or mild depression?
The short answer may be yes; you can have minor depression or mild depression, but it may have some qualifications. Persistent depressive disorder is typically characterized by low-level, chronic depression symptoms that persist for at least two years. Symptoms are usually not as severe as those experienced by people with major depressive disorder. It’s important to note that even minor or mild depression can still significantly impact one’s quality of life and should not be overlooked. While thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may be affected, the interference is typically less drastic than major depression.
Understanding persistent depressive disorder and minor depression
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine report that dysthymia is "milder, yet more long-lasting than major depression." While symptoms can vary from one person to another, the following are some common experiences reported by most people with persistent depressive disorder.
For a mental health professional to diagnose dysthymia (another name for persistent depressive disorder or minor depression), symptoms usually must have lasted at least two years—one year for children and adolescents—and include at least two of the following indicators.
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty moods
- Decreased ability to think, focus, or make decisions
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Feelings of hopelessness, as if there is no point in treatment because you will always feel this way
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Changes in appetite or weight from overeating or not eating enough
- Drastic changes to sleep patterns, like trouble falling or staying asleep, restless sleep, waking too early, or sleeping too much
- Lowered self-esteem or self-worth
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
While the condition may be less severe than major depression, its chronic nature can make it just as challenging to live with over time.
What causes persistent depressive disorder?
The medical community may not currently know the exact cause of chronic depression. However, dysthymia is likely caused by a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors, such as physical differences in the brain, genetics, neurochemistry, significant life changes, stress levels, personal history, and life circumstances.
Diagnosing persistent depressive disorder in mental health care
If you are concerned that you may have chronic depression, you can start the diagnostic process by speaking to your doctor or mental healthcare provider. You will likely undergo a physical exam, medical history, and possible lab tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could be causing your symptoms. You may be referred to a mental health professional for psychological evaluation, an official diagnosis, and the development of a comprehensive treatment plan. Whether you are experiencing major or mild depression, these health care practitioners can offer you support and guidance throughout the process.
Treatments for depressive disorder: Dysthymia
The most effective treatment methods for persistent depressive disorder generally include psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication, lifestyle and behavioral changes, and practical coping mechanisms to manage stress and emotional reactions moving forward.
Someone seeking treatment for depression might go through the following stages of talk therapy:
- Acute: Six to eight weeks of therapy focused on providing enough symptom relief that you can function in daily life
- Continuation: Four to nine months of therapy centered on sustaining your progress and continued symptom relief
- Maintenance: Long-term therapy for people with a high risk of recurring depression
The "relapse prevention" stage of treatment can sometimes last for years, potentially helping the individual manage lingering symptoms. This type of psychotherapy treatment is often necessary for people with chronic depression.
Psychotherapy for depressive disorder
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be a common therapeutic approach because it usually centers on the link between the way you think and how you feel. CBT can help patients examine past experiences and their effects on current thought patterns so they can identify harmful ways of thinking and make a conscious effort to shift toward healthier habits.
Medication for depression symptoms
Antidepressants are prescription medications that typically treat depression symptoms by targeting the chemical and hormonal imbalances commonly associated with the disorder. Medication can be a valuable tool for treating depression in some people, but it may not be a good fit for everyone. Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist if you think medication may be appropriate for your situation.
In addition to taking medication and/or engaging in psychotherapy, there are several other tips that may help people manage symptoms of dysthymia:
- Stay connected with friends and family
- Get regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet, and practice healthy sleep hygiene
- Avoid alcohol or substance use as a coping mechanism
- Keep a daily journal to track symptoms, triggers, and practical coping skills
- Practice regular self-care to safeguard overall well-being
- Attend regular talk therapy appointments
- Be unconditionally kind to yourself
- Utilize the power of positive thinking and affirmations
When to reach out for help
Persistent depressive disorder may not interfere with your life as much as major depression, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's easy to manage. If your symptoms cause distress or prevent you from living the life you want to live, consider reaching out for professional support and guidance.
Living with dysthymia can be challenging when your mood is affected, but you can still function in most areas of your life. Therapy can be an effective method of alleviating symptoms.
Working with a licensed therapist online through a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp can teach you coping skills to mitigate the effects of mental health conditions like persistent depressive disorder. Online treatment is generally less expensive, has shorter wait times, and can offer a simple way to fit therapy into busy schedules with flexible appointment formats like phone, video call, or online chat.
A 2023 study looked at the efficacy of virtual care for depressive disorders and found that it was generally equally as effective as in-person therapy. Online therapy can be a valid choice for those who find in-person therapy uncomfortable.
Takeaway
Can minors have depression?
Yes, a minor—or someone who is under 18 years of age—can experience depression. This mental illness can affect children, teenagers, and adults alike, though depressive symptoms may manifest differently in individuals of different ages.
If parents or other adults who act as caregivers notice an adolescent or child exhibiting signs of depression, connecting them with a trained counselor who can provide emotional support and treatment advice is usually recommended.
What are the minor signs of depression?
Many people are familiar with what are often the most noticeable signs of clinical depression, such as a lack of interest in things once enjoyed, persistent sadness, and a significant change in sleeping and/or eating patterns. However, there are other signs a person may experience as well that could be less noticeable or easily recognized. Some of these include fatigue, restlessness, and trouble concentrating or making decisions. Note that someone who experiences milder symptoms of depression but persistently over time could have persistent depressive disorder.
What are the three levels of depression?
One way to classify the mental illness of depression into three levels is by the severity of symptoms: mild, moderate, or severe. In some cases, these levels can correspond to the type of depression a person is experiencing. For example, someone with mild but long-lasting symptoms (two years or more) could be experiencing persistent depressive disorder.
How to differentiate between minor depression and mild depression
Minor depression and mild depression are often used interchangeably. Still, both generally refer to less severe forms of depression characterized by persistent low mood, fatigue, and a lack of interest, with symptoms that are less intense than those seen in major depressive disorder.
Is mild depression a real thing?
Depression symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild depression can sometimes qualify as a related diagnosable illness known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD). In order for a diagnosis of PDD to be considered, an individual must usually notice symptoms from the DSM-5’s list in themselves most days for two years or more.
Another potential form of mild depression is minor depressive disorder, also called minor depression. Minor depressive disorder was included in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) as a proposed diagnosis. According to the DSM-IV, individuals would meet criteria for a minor depressive episode if they experienced at least two symptoms during a two-week period. To be diagnosed, they would have needed to experience “either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure”.
Minor depression was not included in the DSM-V. However, in the DSM-V, Text Revision, unspecified mood disorder was included. This diagnosis applies when an individual exhibits symptoms of depression but does not meet the criteria for any depressive disorder.
There are several potential contributors to mild depression. A family history of depressive disorders is a primary risk factor. Other risk factors include changes in the structure and function of the brain, existing mental health challenges, and physical illness.
With appropriate treatment, symptoms of mild depression can be alleviated. While an individual’s care plan may depend on the symptoms present, antidepressant medication and therapy are considered primary treatment options. Studies show that both forms of treatment are effective.
In one study (Williams, et al, 2000), researchers compared the effects of an antidepressant (paroxetine) and psychotherapy (problem-solving treatment) on primary care patients. They found that the antidepressant reduced symptoms in the older patients, while therapy reduced the amount of time it took to recover. The results of another study (Judd et al, 2004) suggest that medication can improve symptoms of minor depression, specifically.
Certain lifestyle changes can also help individuals manage mild depression. Maintaining a healthy nutritional plan, getting adequate sleep, and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce depressive symptoms.
There is also a significant amount of psychiatric research suggesting that exercise can reduce symptoms of depression. In a randomized trial examining the benefits of both exercise and antidepressants in older adults, researchers found that physical activity significantly improved late-life depression symptoms. Exercise may be particularly helpful for elderly patients because of its ability to alleviate physical challenges associated with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, older adults experience more pain and physical illness than other groups.
Is it OK for a 15-year-old to be depressed?
It is possible for a 15-year-old to experience a mental illness like depression. Symptoms of depression in teenagers tend to look different than symptoms of depression in adults. A teen experiencing depression could exhibit signs such as:
- Sadness
- Crying
- Lack of motivation
- Being easily irritated
- Self-critical statements
- Lost of interest in activities once enjoyed
- A drop in academic performance or attendance
- Intense feelings of guilt or shame
- Social withdrawal
- Lack of appetite or eating more than usual
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- An increase in risky behaviors as coping mechanisms, such as the use of drugs or alcohol
If you or a loved one is exhibiting signs of depression, it’s typically recommended that you seek the support of a trained therapist or other mental health professional.
What's the youngest age to be depressed?
Generally, the earliest age at which a child might be diagnosed with depression is three. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 4.4% of children between the ages of three and 17 were diagnosed with depression between 2016 and 2019.
What are signs of anxiety?
There are various types of anxiety disorders that may each manifest differently. One of the most common, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), may manifest as signs like:
- A rapid heartbeat
- A churning stomach
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle tension
- A persistent sense of dread
- Persistent fear or worry
- Trouble relaxing
- Psychomotor agitation
Can a 13-year-old have a mental illness?
Yes; a 13-year-old could experience a mental illness. Anxiety disorders, mood disorders like depression, and eating disorders are all examples of mental health conditions that aren’t uncommon for adolescents to experience.
Left untreated, mental illnesses like these will typically not go away on their own. More serious symptoms could develop as well, such as thoughts or behaviors related to self-harm or suicide. These are some reasons why it can be important to seek treatment as soon as symptoms become noticeable.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988.
Is a 12-year-old a teenager?
A 12-year-old will typically be classified as an adolescent or a pre-teen. The teenage phase of life generally starts at age 13.
What is mild depression like?
Mild major depression is a serious mental health condition that may involve depressed mood, low energy, difficulty staying motivated, sleep disturbance, significant weight loss or gain, recurrent thoughts, functional impairment, and several other symptoms. Mild major depression can be separated from subthreshold depression, which typically involves fewer symptoms—though it can still cause clinically significant distress. Minor depression is one such form of subthreshold depression. With minor depression, an individual will experience 2-4 depressive symptoms, as opposed to the requisite five that occur with major depression.
Research suggests that minor depression is a common mental health challenge. In a study published in the Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, researchers examined the prevalence of different forms of depression. Participants, who met the inclusion criteria based on the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Questionnaire (PRIME-MD PQ), reported experiencing minor depression at a rate 1.5 times greater than that of dysthymia.
Mild depression can affect individuals of all age groups. In one study, researchers found that approximately 30% of nursing home residents experience late-life minor depression or major depression.
If you believe you’re living with minor depression or a related challenge, consider consulting a healthcare provider. A family practice doctor, psychologist, or other professional can provide you with screenings and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary.
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