When people think of depression, they tend to conjure up the idea of clinical depression, associated with profound distress and difficulty functioning in everyday life. Although this is the reality for some people, depression comes in many different forms. Some people live with a condition known as “functional depression,” also called a persistent depressive disorder.
Someone living with high-functioning depression may find that they can go about their day without their friends and family noticing what they are dealing with inside. He or she may manage to put up a facade that doesn’t really represent how he or she is feeling. The symptoms of high-functioning depression are less debilitating than those of major depression, but carrying on as if you are well carrying great risks. Below, we look at some of the details.
What is high-functioning depression?
Although high-functioning depression is not an official diagnosis, those living with these symptoms are usually diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (PDD). People living with PDD tend to experience low energy and mood, and these symptoms are long-term, lasting at least two years. The length of time someone experiences symptoms is what differentiates between experiencing sadness or grief, and a diagnosis of high-functioning depression.
Recognizing a problem
The nature of high-functioning depression is such that it can be difficult to diagnose or identify symptoms. The development of an established and debilitating problem can be a gradual process and recognizing that one is living with depression often takes even longer.
It is common for individuals with high-functioning depression to ignore the difficulties they are experiencing and try to overcome their low mood without any emotional support. This can make them feel more depressed and put them at greater risk for major depressive disorder or the development of another mental illness.
High functioning – Not functioning at all
Experiencing mental illness often has a profound effect and affects a person’s ability to function. It is a common indicator that someone suffers from mental illness and is used as a criterion for clinical diagnosis.
This impact can be felt in one or more areas of life. For example, being unable to work, keep up with studies, maintain friendships or have relationship problems may indicate a mental health problem.
However, some people may experience milder symptoms and are therefore able to go about most of their lives in the same way. This is known as high-functioning depression. Although high functioning may mean being able to carry out some everyday tasks, it is important to remember that high functioning is not fully functional.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing high-functioning depression, contact us today. We know the symptoms are difficult to identify, but we are here to guide you through them.
Symptoms of high-functioning depression
How one person experiences the symptoms of high-functioning depression will vary from another’s experience. This is one reason why it is crucial to seek the advice of a medical professional if a problem is suspected.
How one person experiences the symptoms of high-functioning depression will vary from another’s experience. This is one reason why it is crucial to seek the advice of a medical professional if a problem is suspected.
- Overeating
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Lack of energy
- Continuous low mood
- Reduced self-esteem
- Difficulty making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Decreased appetite
- Social withdrawal
Someone living with high-functioning depression may not experience all of these symptoms all of the time. As with other forms of mental illness, they may go through periods when they have more energy for life, and at other times they may find it more difficult.
Accessing help from a mental health professional can allow you to receive the support and guidance you need to cope with your illness. It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis when it comes to mental health care; seek counseling today to learn about your treatment options.
Additional criteria
Additional criteria will be used along with the above symptoms to make a diagnosis of functional depression. These criteria include:
- The above-described symptoms of low mood and hopelessness occur on most days for more than two years, with no more than two months without symptoms.
- There is no history of a period of mania or hypomania, characterized by euphoria and increased energy.
- These symptoms are not attributed to another mental illness or substance abuse.
- These symptoms affect one or more areas of normal functioning.
- The individual is under significant stress due to these symptoms.
- An individual with this diagnosis may meet the criteria for major depression.
Major depression or persistent depressive disorder?
Experiencing persistent depressive disorder puts a person at increased risk for a major depressive episode; this is one of the reasons why it is so important to access support from physicians. Most people living with high-functioning depression or PDD will experience a major depressive episode during their lifetime.
While some individuals may feel that their low-level depressive symptoms are unrelated, others may regularly feel that they are on the verge of slipping into major depression.
While there are similarities and correlations between these conditions, there are significant differences that are important to understand, especially in diagnosis and treatment.
Duration
As we know, persistent depressive disorder lasts for a long period of time, more than two years. While major depression usually occurs in shorter periods of time, with a minimum of two weeks.
Severity
The symptoms of both conditions are similar, however, the severity is greater in a major depressive episode.
Function
With all forms of depression, there may be some impact on functioning, but during a major depressive episode, regular functioning will be at a decreased level. This may affect school or work responsibilities, social activities, relationships, and maintenance of self-care and personal hygiene.
Additional symptoms of major depression
There are some additional symptoms that may be experienced in an episode of major depression. These include loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, chronic feelings of guilt and shame, impaired emotion regulation, self-injury, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
In some cases, a depressive episode can lead to psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and paranoia. This usually occurs when an individual has major depression and psychosis.