• Book an intake consultation Contact Now Schedule an Appointment

    26711 Woodward Ave. Suite 306
    Huntington Woods, MI 48070
    (248) 860-2024

  • Marsh Psychology Group

    My WordPress Blog

    • Home
    • Our Staff
      • Pamela Marsh, Psy.D.
      • Carol VanKampen, LMSW
      • Claudia Coxx, LMSW
      • Brandy Pouliot, LMSW
      • Monika Sata, Ph.D. , LLP
    • Services
      • Anxiety
        • Anxiety Therapist in Royal Oak, MI
      • Depression
        • Depression Therapist Serving Clients in Royal Oak, MI
      • EMDR Therapy
      • Individual Therapy
      • PTSD
      • Relationship Issues
      • Self-Esteem Therapy
      • Social Anxiety
      • Therapy for Teens
      • Therapy for Women
      • Trauma Therapy
      • Divorce Therapy
      • Grief Therapy
      • Social Anxiety
      • Therapy for Teachers
      • Relationship Issues
      • Therapy for Nurses
      • Individual Therapist
      • Trauma Therapist
      • Therapy for women
      • EMDR Therapist
      • Therapy for Teens
      • Therapy for Codependency
      • Black woman therapist
      • Therapy for Postpartum Depression
    • Getting Started
      • FAQs
      • Rates and Insurance
      • Client Forms
      • Appointment Request
    • Resources
      • Service Areas
        • Royal Oak, MI
      • Mental Health Links
      • Physical Health Links
    • Careers
    • Contact
    • Blog

    Double Depression

    November 14, 2023

     “Double depression” – What is it and how is it treated?

    Double depression, as the name implies, is a complex interplay between two distinct forms of depression: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia). It represents a challenging clinical scenario where the acute symptoms of MDD are superimposed on the enduring low-grade depressive state of Dysthymia.

    Identifying Double Depression:
    One of the key challenges in addressing double depression is recognizing it. The chronic nature of Dysthymia may lead individuals to believe that their low mood is “normal” for them, making it difficult to discern the acute exacerbation of MDD. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

    Impact on Daily Life and Functioning:
    Double depression can significantly impair an individual’s daily functioning and overall quality of life. The persistent low-grade symptoms of Dysthymia can create a baseline of dissatisfaction and hinder the individual’s ability to experience joy or motivation. When the acute symptoms of MDD emerge, they compound the distress and dysfunction.

    Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment:
    Diagnosing double depression requires a keen understanding of both MDD and Dysthymia, as well as the ability to differentiate them from other mood disorders. The treatment approach must be equally sophisticated, addressing the acute symptoms of MDD while also targeting the underlying dysthymic features.

    Treatment for Double Depression

    Effectively managing double depression necessitates a comprehensive and integrated approach:

    1. Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis:
    Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. A mental health professional will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the severity of both MDD and dysthymic symptoms. This evaluation enables the development of a tailored treatment plan.

    2. Combining Treatments for MDD and Dysthymia:
    Double depression demands a multifaceted treatment strategy. To address the acute symptoms of MDD, antidepressant medications may be prescribed. These medications aim to provide relief from intense sadness, hopelessness, and other acute symptoms.

    Simultaneously, psychotherapy plays a pivotal role in managing both components of double depression. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals reframe negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with MDD. It also equips them with practical tools to navigate the enduring low mood of Dysthymia.

    3. Long-Term Management and Relapse Prevention:
    Managing double depression is not a short-term endeavor. Even when the acute symptoms of MDD improve, ongoing therapy and medication management may be necessary to prevent relapse. Maintenance treatment can help individuals sustain their progress and lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by double depression.

    In conclusion, the landscape of depressive disorders is diverse, with each type requiring its unique approach to assessment and treatment. Understanding the nuances of these conditions empowers mental health professionals to offer personalized care that maximizes the chances of recovery and improved well-being. Double depression, while complex, can be effectively managed through a comprehensive strategy that addresses both acute and chronic aspects, offering individuals hope and a path toward a brighter future.

    -Claudia Coxx, LMSW

    Claudia Coxx is a clinical therapist at Marsh Psychology Group specializing in mood and anxiety disorders.  She can be reached at 248-860-2024 or ccoxx@marshpsychologygroup.com.

    Filed Under: Uncategorized

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



    26711 Woodward Ave. Suite 306
    Huntington Woods, MI 48070

    (248) 860-2024
    info@marshpsychologygroup.com

    Contact Today

    Marsh Psychology Group
    info@marshpsychologygroup.com
    (248) 860-2024

    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy