Depression is a broad term that is used to describe certain mood disorders. Although symptoms tend to vary from person to person, it is most often characterized by feelings of profound sadness, pessimism, and loss of interest. There are three different types of depressive disorders — major depression, persistent depression, and bipolar disorder. Knowing which type of disorder you have will be helpful for identifying the appropriate treatment for your depression.

As the name implies, persistent depression (also called persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia) is a form of chronic, long-term depression. Although the symptoms are not usually as severe as those dealing with major depressive disorder, people with persistent depression still experience melancholy and lack interest in things they once enjoyed, making it difficult to live a normal and fulfilling life. In order for a client’s illness to be classified as persistent depression, he or she needs to have experienced symptoms that have endured for at least two years.