Which statement differentiates Persistent Depressive Disorder from Major Depressive Disorder?

• A. PDD is more severe and psychotic features are common
• B. PDD lasts longer and tends to be milder
• C. PDD involves manic episodes
• D. PDD responds poorly to treatment

Answer: (B)

The essential distinction is duration and course: Persistent Depressive Disorder is defined by a long-lasting pattern of depressive symptoms, staying for most of the day and most days, for at least two years in adults (one year in children). Because the mood is chronically low, the symptoms tend to be milder in intensity but persist for a much longer period. Major Depressive Disorder, by contrast, features discrete episodes of more severe depressive symptoms that meet full criteria for a major depressive episode, with periods of relative remission in between. So the differentiating factor is longevity and chronicity rather than the depth of symptoms.

Choices attributing greater severity with psychotic features, or involving manic episodes, or claiming poor treatment response, do not define Persistent Depressive Disorder.