Persistent Depressive Disorder & Substance Abuse in a Dual Diagnosis
Individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for their chronic symptoms of depression.
Persistent Depressive Disorder: A DSM-5 Overview
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), classifies Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), formerly known as Dysthymia, under depressive disorders.
PDD is characterized by a chronic form of depression that persists for at least two years in adults or one year in children and adolescents. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, the symptoms of PDD are generally less severe but more enduring, significantly affecting an individual’s daily life and functioning.
Key Features of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Duration: To meet the criteria for PDD, individuals must experience a depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years (or one year for children and adolescents).
Symptoms: Along with a depressed mood, individuals must present with two (or more) of the following symptoms:
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
Important Facts: What You Should Know About PDD
The DSM-5’s classification of Persistent Depressive Disorder acknowledges the unique challenges posed by this long-term form of depression, emphasizing the need for early detection and sustained treatment efforts to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Early Onset: PDD often begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood and can persist for many years, often undiagnosed due to the chronic nature of the symptoms.
- Double Depression: Individuals with PDD can also experience episodes of Major Depressive Disorder, a condition sometimes referred to as “double depression.”
- Impact on Functioning: The persistent nature of PDD can lead to significant impairments in social, occupational, and other vital areas of functioning, often more so than in episodic forms of major depression due to the chronic nature of the disorder.
- Treatment: Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (especially cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medication (such as SSRIs). Because of the chronic nature of PDD, long-term treatment strategies are often necessary.
Substance Use in Persistent Depressive Disorder
Individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia, may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for their chronic symptoms of depression. Here are some of the most commonly abused substances among those with PDD, along with relevant facts and insights:
Alcohol
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances among individuals with depressive disorders, including PDD. The initial depressant effects of alcohol can seem to relieve symptoms of depression temporarily, but chronic use exacerbates depressive symptoms and can lead to dependence.
Cannabis
Some individuals with PDD may use cannabis, believing it helps manage their symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, regular and heavy use of cannabis has been associated with an increased risk of developing depressive disorders and can worsen existing depressive symptoms over time.
Prescription Medications
This includes misuse of prescription opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants. People with PDD might misuse these medications to self-medicate feelings of chronic low mood or fatigue, which can lead to addiction and further complicate their depressive symptoms.
Nicotine
Smoking and nicotine dependence are higher among people with depressive disorders, including PDD. Nicotine may have a short-term mood-enhancing effect, leading individuals to use tobacco as a form of self-medication despite its negative health consequences.
Illicit Drugs
Stimulants (such as cocaine and amphetamines) and other illicit drugs are also abused by some individuals with PDD, seeking temporary relief from their symptoms. Like other substances, these can worsen the long-term prognosis of depressive disorders.
Helpful Information & Considerations
Treatment Considerations: Addressing substance abuse in individuals with PDD is crucial, as it can significantly impact the effectiveness of depression treatment. Integrated treatment approaches that focus on both depressive symptoms and substance use disorders are often necessary.
Prevalence and Statistics: While specific statistics on substance abuse within the PDD population are limited, research indicates that individuals with depressive disorders are at a higher risk for developing substance use disorders compared to the general population.
Early Intervention: Recognizing and addressing substance abuse early in individuals with PDD can prevent the development of more severe substance use disorders and improve overall treatment outcomes for depressive symptoms.
Understanding the link between substance abuse and Persistent Depressive Disorder is essential for providing comprehensive care and support to those affected, highlighting the importance of integrated treatment strategies.
Addressing Challenges: The Intersection of PDD & Substance Abuse
Final Words for Families Considering Long-Term Treatment
Individuals with Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) face a heightened risk of substance abuse as they seek relief from chronic depressive symptoms. Alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, nicotine, and illicit drugs are among the substances commonly misused.
This intersection of PDD and substance abuse underscores the necessity for integrated treatment approaches that address both the depressive disorder and substance use issues concurrently. Recognizing and treating substance abuse early in the course of PDD can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
