Subsyndromal Symptomatic Depression Symptoms, Treatment

Subsyndromal Symptomatic Depression Symptoms, Treatment Depression Types Print An Overview of Subsyndromal Symptomatic Depression By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 10, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids milos-kreckovic / Getty Images In This Article Table of Contents Expand Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment View All By definition, subsyndromal describes a person is exhibiting symptoms that are similar to but not severe enough for diagnosis as a clinically recognized syndrome. When applied to depression, subsyndromal symptomatic depression (SSD) indicates that a persons depression symptoms dont quite meet the criteria for a diagnosis of a major depressive episode. SSD can include people who experience brief, recurring episodes of depressive symptoms.   Subsyndromal symptomatic depression was first identified and labeled in 1994 by researchers who defined it as two or more symptoms consistent with depression. Like depression, the symptoms must have been present for two weeks or more and have caused social dysfunction, such as isolation, withdrawal, or behavior changes. Its thought that subsyndromal symptomatic depression symptoms may be a risk factor for developing clinically significant  major depressive disorder  in the future. Symptoms Symptoms that develop on a daily or almost daily basis and that may occur in both SSD and major depression include: Feeling sad or depressedA significant change in appetite and/or weightNeeding too much or not getting enough sleepEither being noticeably restless or being run downNot enjoying the activities you once didFeeling wiped out or fatiguedFeeling hopeless, worthless, and/or guiltyHaving trouble concentrating or making decisionsHaving thoughts of death or suicide or suicidal behavior The difference in these symptoms is that with major depression, you must have at least five of the symptoms to be diagnosed. With SSD, you may only experience two to four of these symptoms. Mild Symptoms Should Be Noted Early intervention is the key to successful treatment, so if mental health professionals note even mild depressive symptoms, treatment may very well be indicated to ensure that symptoms dont become worse. With studies showing that even mild symptoms can be disabling, its important to help people with subsyndromal symptomatic depression and other depressive subthreshold disorders function at their best. Symptoms of Clinically Significant Depression Causes Depression is a complex condition and a range of factors can contribute to its onset. Some risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will experience symptoms of depression include genetics, family history, abuse, trauma, some medications, major life changes, stress, illness, and substance use.   In cases where a person is experiencing subsyndromal symptomatic depression, it means that they have many of the signs of depression, but not enough for a clinical diagnosis. There are a number of reasons why a person might not meet the diagnostic criteria for depression. They may have good coping skills or a strong social support system that makes it so that their symptoms dont impair functioning in different life areas as much as they might otherwise.   However, having even mild symptoms of depression might also be a contributing cause to later clinical depression. Diagnosis Many people have depressive symptoms that dont quite meet the criteria for being diagnosed with major depression. Studies suggest that  subsyndromal symptomatic depression has just as much of an impact on function and has the same risk factors as major depression. And subsyndromal depression also has the same negative effects on overall health as major depression does. Some researchers believe that there is a spectrum of depression, from fewer symptoms to symptoms that dont last long to severe symptoms, and that all depressive episodes, despite their severity, have similar adverse effects on individuals. One 2013 study that used a broad sampling of people from a variety of countries across the globe showed that subsyndromal depression seems to be a significant problem worldwide.?? Because of its detrimental effects, more research needs to be done on subtypes of depressive disorder. Researchers suggest that mental health professionals should take note of even minimal depressive symptoms since they are harmful to a persons overall health. Potential Challenges in Diagnosing Depression The same 2013 study notes that clinicians are very good at ruling out depression, but not nearly as successful at diagnosing it.?? This could be due to the thresholds that are set in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and the difficulties in assessing the significance of depressive symptoms. There is a challenge in identifying people who are close to the threshold of depression set out in the DSM. The researchers of this study came to the conclusion that further research is needed and that SSD should be classified on its own and potentially treated similarly to major depression. Treatment Because subsyndromal symptomatic depression often goes without being diagnosed, it is thought to be undertreated. The available research suggests that psychotherapy and antidepressants may both be effective at reducing depressive symptoms as seen in people with major depressive disorder (MDD). Medications One study found that treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants led to the improvement in symptoms and functioning,?? suggesting that low doses of SSRIs may be useful in alleviating SSD symptoms. Psychotherapy Studies have also shown that interpersonal therapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can also lead to improvements in functioning and decreases in depressive symptoms. The Best Online Help Resources for Depression Lifestyle Changes Self-care and lifestyle changes can also help people find relief. Some things that may help include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and having a strong social support system. Depression can often cause people to become more isolated, so reaching out to trusted friends and loved ones can be beneficial. A Word From Verywell While subsyndromal symptomatic depression does not meet the diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode, it can still have a significant impact on a persons life and functioning. Effective treatments including medications and psychotherapy can help people who are experiencing symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing feelings of depression, even if these symptoms are mild or if you only have a few of them. Help is available and your doctor can recommend treatments that will help you feel better. Treatment Options for Depression