Reference
Guide | Reference

53  Persistent Depressive Pattern Prototype

53.1 Summary

  • A pattern of long-standing low mood or reduced interest with chronic functional strain, often less episodic than major depressive episodes.

53.2 Prototype Features

  • Enduring low mood, pessimism, or low energy.
  • Reduced pleasure or engagement over time.
  • Symptoms feel “baseline” rather than episodic.

53.3 Threshold Guidance

  • Use when low mood/low drive is persistent and functionally limiting over time.

53.4 Expected Domain Profile

  • Mood and Drive Dysregulation: moderate, sustained low.
  • Arousal, Sleep, and Circadian Regulation: mild to moderate disruption.

53.5 Time-Course and Trajectory

  • Chronic or long-standing course with intermittent worsening.

53.6 Differential and Red Flags

  • Medical contributors (endocrine, sleep disorders).
  • Trauma-related numbing or loss of meaning.
  • Substance use or medication effects.

53.7 Specifiers (treatment-relevant, non-prescriptive)

  • Course/time pattern (chronic, fluctuating).
  • Contributors (sleep debt, medical conditions, adversity).
  • Risk modifiers (self-neglect, demoralization).

53.8 Measurement Prompts

  • Brief mood measure.
  • Function and activity tracking.

53.10 Documentation Snippet (1-2 lines)

  • “Long-standing low mood and reduced interest; Mood/Drive 2-3; chronic course with intermittent worsening.”