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The DSM-5-TR categorizes mood disorders into Bipolar and Related Disorders and Depressive Disorders (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). While both Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD, also known as dysthymia) involve a depressed mood, they differ significantly in severity and duration. As Columbia Mental Health (2024) explains, MDD is a more acute and severe form of depression that can greatly impair daily functioning, with symptoms lasting at least two weeks and often extending for weeks or months.
In contrast, PDD is characterized by a chronic depressive mood lasting at least two years, with symptoms that are typically less severe but persistent over time (Columbia Mental Health, 2024). For example, an individual experiencing MDD may have a three-week episode marked by intense sadness, impaired functioning, and suicidal ideation following a major stressor, whereas someone with PDD may experience long-standing low mood, fatigue, and poor self-esteem for several years. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning (APA, 2022). Need Assignment Help?