What is the difference between acute and chronic depression?

We will learn about the distinction between acute and chronic depression in the following article. There are many different varieties of depression, each with unique characteristics.

The following article will provide an outline of the differences between severe depression and chronic depression (Persistent depressive disorder, or PDD), which is another name for major depressive disorder (MDD):

The difference between acute and chronic depression

The distinction between acute and chronic depression is summarised as follows:

	severe depression	Chronic depression
symptoms	Symptoms that persist for more than two weeks include: majority of the day, depressed mood decreased interest in previously favourite activities Exhaustion and fatigue Feelings of remorse or worthlessness finding it challenging to concentrate and decide gaining weight without attempting to lose it Having trouble sleeping or sleeping a lot having trouble thinking or speaking Recurrent thinking of death	Symptoms that persist for more than two years include: Feeling gloomy or irritable behavior Loss of appetite or overeating Insomnia or oversleeping Decreased body energy Low self-esteem Difficulty concentrating and making decisions feeling hopeless
the reasons	There are various causes, however the following are the main ones: having depression in one's family history. a change in the concentrations of specific neurotransmitters in the brain Exposure to traumatic experiences addiction Having a chronic organic disease	Its causes include the following: having depression in one's family a change in the concentrations of specific neurotransmitters in the brain use of some drugs with a side effect of depression Serious illness, such as cancer Chronic exposure to psychological stress
Treatment methods	Among its primary therapeutic techniques are the following: Psychotherapy _ Pharmacotherapy	Among its primary therapeutic techniques are the following: Psychotherapy Pharmacological treatment

As we can see from the table above, the main distinction between acute and chronic depression is the length of the presenting symptoms. The acute type of symptoms last for two weeks or more, while the symptoms of the chronic type last for at least two years.

Diagnosis of acute and chronic depression

Here is how to detect acute and chronic depression given that we are aware of their differences:

1. A serious depression diagnosis

This type is identified when the patient exhibits at least five of the symptoms listed below, provided that at least one of them is a lack of interest or a depressed mood lasting at least two weeks:

Adolescent irritation or a depressed mood.
loss of interest or pleasure in formerly beloved activity.
Extreme weight loss or gain.
Increased or decreased sleep hours that are outside of the norm.
Feeling tired or losing energy.
Psychomotor agitation - PA.
Feeling of worthlessness.
reduced capacity to concentrate and difficulty making judgements.
recurring suicidal or death thoughts, or attempts at or plans for suicide.

For the patient to be able to make a diagnosis, the symptoms must meet the criteria listed below:

Substantively affecting the social, occupational, or other important aspect of life.
It is not associated with organic causes and is not caused by addiction.
Not associated with another mental disorder.
It is not associated with episodes of mania or hypomania.

2. A persistent depression diagnosis

This kind is diagnosed when the patient exhibits at least two of the symptoms listed below, they last for at least two years in adults or one year in children and adolescents, are accompanied by depression or irritability, and have a detrimental impact on one or more areas of the patient's life:

Decreased or open appetite.
too much or too little sleep.
Fatigue and lack of energy.
Low self-esteem.
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
feeling hopeless

Advice for depression

The following advice can be used to deal with depression of any form, regardless of whether it is acute or chronic:

Engage in your social relationships and do not isolate from others.
Do exercise regularly .
Stick to a healthy and balanced diet.
Schedule your going to bed, waking up, and eating times to be at the same time each day.