Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition that affects more than 8.3% of the adult U.S. population. Common symptoms may include:
- Continuous depressed mood
- Feeling of hopelessness or dread
- Disinterest in normal activities
- Flat or decreased emotional responses
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a type of depression that is like MDD. You might have heard of dysthymia, the clinical term for PDD. Diagnosis for PDD requires the same symptoms of MDD, but there are key differences between the two diagnoses.
3 key differences between MDD and PDD
MDD and PDD sound similar, and they share many symptoms. Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between the two diagnoses:
- Duration — With major depressive disorder, depressive episodes must last for two or more weeks. With PDD, symptoms must last for two or more years, with no more than two months of not experiencing symptoms in those two years.
- Chronic vs. episodic presentation — MDD may be experienced only during certain time periods, or for a few weeks at a time. PDD is categorized by its continuous and long-lasting nature.
- Onset — Major depressive disorder symptoms can often have a very quick or sudden start to them. With persistent depressive disorder, symptoms build up over time and have a gradual onset.
Can depression be treated with medication?
Yes, both major and persistent depressive disorders can be treated effectively with medication. There are many types of medication available to treat depression. Various classes of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). There are also older antidepressants, like tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
How do I know which medication is right for me?
Every experience of depression is unique, and individuals respond differently to various medications. With so many treatment options available, choosing the right approach can feel overwhelming. At Reklame Health, our team of experts is here to guide you through the process.
Virtual vs. in-person care: The case for choosing virtual support
- Accessibility
In-person treatment often requires planning around commute time, as well as the added cost of gasoline or rideshare services. Virtual care helps remove these barriers by offering more convenient access, especially for individuals with physical limitations or those living in areas underserved by mental health professionals. At ReKlame, virtual treatment can also help connect BIPOC individuals with culturally competent providers who may be difficult to find locally.
- Flexibility
Oftentimes, in-person mental health treatment limits you to a 9 am-5 pm schedule, with limited, if any, weekend availability. Virtual medication management offers more flexibility. This can also be beneficial for members who work the night shift, work on weekends, or have a busy work or school schedule. Flexible scheduling can make it easier to attend appointments and ease some stress surrounding scheduling and planning.
- Continuity
Because mental health providers must be licensed in the state where a person is physically located, moving to a new state can mean you have to stop seeing your current in-person provider. Virtual treatment allows for a continuation of treatment during travel or moving. Treatment at ReKlame is available virtually in New Jersey, New York and Florida. If someone is moving between those states, they still have the option to continue as a member with ReKlame, although providers may vary by state. This includes during the moving process and while settling into their new home.
- Privacy
For many people, receiving treatment from the comfort of home can ease the stress or anxiety that sometimes comes with visiting a clinic in person. At ReKlame, our approach to virtual treatment is designed to help you feel more comfortable and supported while still receiving HIPAA-compliant, effective care.
Research shows that virtual treatment is just as effective as in-person treatment when it comes to treating mental health conditions.
What does virtual treatment at ReKlame look like?
At ReKlame, we offer psychiatric medication management as a virtual treatment option, and whether you have major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder or another mental health condition, help is available. Your psychiatric nurse practitioner will regularly check in with you to ensure that your medications are working effectively and make any adjustments as needed. Our technology platforms are private, secure and HIPAA compliant.
When you’re ready to take the first step in your journey, reach out to ReKlame for culturally competent and accessible care. Give our care team a call today for more information, check your eligibility for free online or book an initial appointment online.
