Problem: Using APA citations, provide a response to this discussion post
I appreciated how you laid out the differences between Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder. Your explanation of severity versus duration was very helpful, and I liked how you emphasized that dysthymia can still cause significant distress even when symptoms do not meet the requirements for a major depressive episode. One thing that stood out to me is how easy it can be for chronic, lower-level symptoms to be minimized, both by clients and sometimes by professionals, because the person is still "functioning." From a social work perspective, that makes careful assessment and listening so important, especially when clients describe feeling empty or unmotivated for long periods of time. I also think your point about treatment planning is essential, since someone with dysthymia may need longer term support and different interventions than someone experiencing an acute depressive episode. Overall, your post does a great job showing why understanding these distinctions matter in real practice, not just diagnostically, but relationally and clinically as well. Great job! Need Assignment Help?