Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
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Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
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Mild depression involves depressive symptoms that are considered low-grade. While many of the same symptoms of more severe depression are present, includingirritability, sadness, and lack of motivation, they are often more subtle and less intense.
People with mild, low-grade depression may not even realize they are depressed. In fact, the chronic feelings of sadness and low mood they experience may have been around for so long that they feel normal.
However, it is not normal to go through life feeling unhappy most or all of the time. Everyone experiences occasional bouts of low mood in response to sad or stressful life events, but constantly feeling depressed does not have to be the story of your life.
This article discusses the symptoms of mild depression, the potential causes, and how it is diagnosed. It also explores treatment options that can help and thing you can do to cope.
Symptoms of Mild Depression
The term mild depression may refer to the severity of major depressive disorder, which can be described as being mild, moderate, or severe. It may also refer to chronic low-grade depression that is a symptom of persistent depressive disorder (PDD), formerly known asdysthymiaor dysthymic disorder.
Changes in the DSM-5Dysthymia was previously listed separately from chronic major depression in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), the tool that doctors and mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions. However, the disorders have since been combined as of the fifth edition, as no scientifically meaningful difference was found between them.
Changes in the DSM-5
Dysthymia was previously listed separately from chronic major depression in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), the tool that doctors and mental health professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions. However, the disorders have since been combined as of the fifth edition, as no scientifically meaningful difference was found between them.
The signs and symptoms of PDD are very similar tomajor depressive disorder, except that they tend to be milder and are chronic in nature.
Symptoms of PDD include:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Overview of Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Causes of Mild Depression
The primary cause of the disorder is not clear in most cases. But people with PDD tend to have other complicating factors, such as chronic illness, another psychiatric disorder, orsubstance use issues.
In these cases, it becomes very difficult to say whether the depression would exist independently of the other condition. In addition, thesecomorbid conditionsoften create a vicious cycle wherein each illness makes the other more difficult to treat.
Around 75% of people with mild depression will also experience a more severe episode of major depressive disorder. When this happens, it is often referred to as “double depression.”
Diagnosis of Mild Depression
With persistent depressive disorder, doctors will need to determine if the individual’s symptoms have been present for an extended period of time (a minimum of two years for adults and one year for children). In addition, they will consider whether the severity of the symptoms is less than what a patient might experience with a major depressive disorder.
Doctors will also use blood and urine tests to try torule out possible medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, that could cause symptoms like chronic mild depression.
Other factors a doctor will consider when making a diagnosis include a patient’s medical history, as well as whether there is a history of depression in their family.
Treatment for Mild Depression
Persistent depressive disorder responds to many of the same treatments that are used to treat major depression. Mild depression may respond well to medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Medications
Antidepressant medications may be prescribed to treat mild depression.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)are a popular choice.These medications inhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which means more of it is available in the brain. This can play a role in improving mood.
Psychotherapy
In addition,psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can often be quite helpful for people with chronic mild depression. Types of talk therapy that can be effective for mild depression include:
You’ll have to work with your mental health care provider to develop a treatment plan that’s most appropriate for you.
Depression Discussion GuideGet our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment.Download PDFSign UpThank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.There was an error. Please try again.
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Coping With Mild Depression
Several self-care treatments can help treat chronic mild depression. For example, lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep and regular physical activity, can be helpful. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:
If you have been diagnosed with dysthymia, but your depression symptoms are worsening, talk to your doctor. They will reevaluate your symptoms and adjust your treatment if necessary.
A Word From Verywell
While mild depression is considered less intense than more severe depression, it can still have a serious impact on your life and ability to function. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, even if they seem relatively low-grade, you should talk to your healthcare practitioner.
Treatments such as psychotherapy and medication can help you start to feel better. Mild depression often responds well to lifestyle modifications including regular exercise and social support.
The Best Online Resources for Depression
10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Persistent depressive disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Melrose S.Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.Open Journal of Depression. 2017;06(01):1-13. doi:10.4236/ojd.2017.61001Medscape.Dysthymic disorder.Patel RK, Rose GM.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013;168-171.Karrouri R, Hammani Z, Benjelloun R, Otheman Y.Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges.World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(31):9350-9367. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350Saito E, Tebbett-Mock AA, McGee M.Dialectical behavior therapy decreases depressive symptoms among adolescents in an acute-care inpatient unit.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2020;30(4):244-249. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0149Xie Y, Wu Z, Sun L, et al.The effects and mechanisms of exercise on the treatment of depression.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:705559. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.705559Francis HM, Stevenson RJ, Chambers JR, Gupta D, Newey B, Lim CK.A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults – A randomised controlled trial. Matsuoka YJ, ed.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(10):e0222768. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0222768Scott AJ, Webb TL, Martyn-St James M, Rowse G, Weich S.Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Sleep Med Rev. 2021;60:101556. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556
10 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Persistent depressive disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Melrose S.Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.Open Journal of Depression. 2017;06(01):1-13. doi:10.4236/ojd.2017.61001Medscape.Dysthymic disorder.Patel RK, Rose GM.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013;168-171.Karrouri R, Hammani Z, Benjelloun R, Otheman Y.Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges.World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(31):9350-9367. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350Saito E, Tebbett-Mock AA, McGee M.Dialectical behavior therapy decreases depressive symptoms among adolescents in an acute-care inpatient unit.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2020;30(4):244-249. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0149Xie Y, Wu Z, Sun L, et al.The effects and mechanisms of exercise on the treatment of depression.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:705559. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.705559Francis HM, Stevenson RJ, Chambers JR, Gupta D, Newey B, Lim CK.A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults – A randomised controlled trial. Matsuoka YJ, ed.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(10):e0222768. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0222768Scott AJ, Webb TL, Martyn-St James M, Rowse G, Weich S.Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Sleep Med Rev. 2021;60:101556. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Persistent depressive disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.Melrose S.Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.Open Journal of Depression. 2017;06(01):1-13. doi:10.4236/ojd.2017.61001Medscape.Dysthymic disorder.Patel RK, Rose GM.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013;168-171.Karrouri R, Hammani Z, Benjelloun R, Otheman Y.Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges.World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(31):9350-9367. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350Saito E, Tebbett-Mock AA, McGee M.Dialectical behavior therapy decreases depressive symptoms among adolescents in an acute-care inpatient unit.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2020;30(4):244-249. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0149Xie Y, Wu Z, Sun L, et al.The effects and mechanisms of exercise on the treatment of depression.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:705559. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.705559Francis HM, Stevenson RJ, Chambers JR, Gupta D, Newey B, Lim CK.A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults – A randomised controlled trial. Matsuoka YJ, ed.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(10):e0222768. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0222768Scott AJ, Webb TL, Martyn-St James M, Rowse G, Weich S.Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Sleep Med Rev. 2021;60:101556. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Persistent depressive disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.
Melrose S.Persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia: An overview of assessment and treatment approaches.Open Journal of Depression. 2017;06(01):1-13. doi:10.4236/ojd.2017.61001
Medscape.Dysthymic disorder.
Patel RK, Rose GM.Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013;168-171.
Karrouri R, Hammani Z, Benjelloun R, Otheman Y.Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges.World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(31):9350-9367. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350
Saito E, Tebbett-Mock AA, McGee M.Dialectical behavior therapy decreases depressive symptoms among adolescents in an acute-care inpatient unit.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2020;30(4):244-249. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0149
Xie Y, Wu Z, Sun L, et al.The effects and mechanisms of exercise on the treatment of depression.Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:705559. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.705559
Francis HM, Stevenson RJ, Chambers JR, Gupta D, Newey B, Lim CK.A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults – A randomised controlled trial. Matsuoka YJ, ed.PLoS ONE. 2019;14(10):e0222768. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0222768
Scott AJ, Webb TL, Martyn-St James M, Rowse G, Weich S.Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.Sleep Med Rev. 2021;60:101556. doi:10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101556
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