WHAT IS HIGH FUNCTIONING DEPRESSION

 

HIGH FUNCTIONING DEPRESSION

High functioning depression is not a clinical term but it is a widely used term to refer to people who seem to have their life figured out and everything put in place but they are struggling inside. It is classified as Pervasive Depressive Disorder in the DSM V. Depression can wear many faces which may be contrary to our perception. When we think about depression, we often associate it with difficulty in waking up or doing some basic self-care practices such as taking a shower or getting out of bed. Conversely, people with high functioning depression tend to be doing well at school, work or socializing with others and as a result, HFD is often invisible and difficult to spot. People with HFD are overachievers and are always struggling to achieve their goals. Often, people with HFD seem to have their lives figured out.

To have a better understanding of HDD it is important to have a look at Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)and Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD).

MDD is characterized by at least 5 symptoms of which 2 of them must be decreased mood and diminished interest in hobbies lasting for 2 weeks. The symptoms include.

Increased or diminished sleep.

Increased or reduced appetite.

Getting easily fatigued.

Extreme feelings of guilt or worthlessness.

Difficulty concentrating or making important decisions in your life.

Psychomotor agitation.

Difficulty concentrating or focusing maybe watching a series or a tv program.

Persistent suicidal ideations with or without any specific plan or attempt.

PDD which was is used interchangeably with dysthymia is low-grade depression meaning it is less severe than MDD and it is chronic lasting for at least 2 years.  The diagnosis requires one to have two or more symptoms of;

Increased or reduced appetite.

Low energy levels and getting easily fatigued.

Low-self esteem

Difficulty concentrating or making important decisions

Extreme feelings of hopelessness

Increased or reduced sleep.

Maladaptive coping skills such as binge eating or substance abuse.

Differences between MDD and PDD

MDD	PDD
The symptoms cause significant impairment in functioning at work, school or socially.	The symptoms rarely cause impairment in social and occupational functioning.
Symptoms last for at least two weeks to be diagnosed with MDD	The symptoms last for at least 2 years to be diagnosed with PDD
High grade	Low grade
Has depressive episodes	It can have depressive episodes in the case of double depression but it is most intrusive.

 

In some instances, people can experience a persistent depressive disorder accompanied by a depressive episode a condition referred to as a double depression.

A persistent depressive disorder characterized by high functioning and lasts for at least 2 years is what is referred to as a high-functioning depression. The fact that HFD is invisible makes it searing as people tend to emphasize more with people having physical pain or more overt symptoms such as in Major Depressive Disorder. People suffering from PDD seem to be successful in every aspect of their lives and they struggle to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health services. Currently with the mental health sensitization programs stigma against mental illnesses is lessening. However, going for therapy is always associated with myths that one is crazy. Also, society often views people who seek therapy as feeble and if the depression isn't severe or impairing one functioning the society requires them to be tough and this prevents people with high functioning depression from seeking treatment early.

How to get help

It is imperative to know that you are not all alone and there is help and some things that can help you heal are;

Psychotherapy can help you manage HFD by providing you with a safe space where you can vent out your emotions. A common misconception about depression is that you can easily snap out of it by enhancing positive thoughts. While positive thinking can help, there are a lot of other factors that ought to be put into place to deal with depression. Depression is a clinical condition caused by an imbalance in certain neurochemicals in your brain and most time positive outcomes are achieved when medications are used as an adjunct to psychotherapy

Talk therapy with a trusted friend or family member can also help a great deal by helping you to vent out your repressed emotions.

Antidepressants SSRIs or SNRI'S can also be helpful. However, research has shown that the combination of both therapy and medication produce favourable results.