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ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) - A continuous feeling of sadness could be just a dark mood, or it could be Persistent Depressive Disorder that lasts for a long period of time.

Persistent Depressive Disorder, or PDD, is not as severe as depression, but adults can struggle with the symptoms of it for years. According to the Cleveland Clinic, three percent of Americans experience it at some point in their lives.

Jyoti Mishra Ramanathan, PhD, Neuroscientist at UCSD says, “People don’t realize sometimes that they may have it because it’s so subjective.”

Symptoms of PDD include a sad mood, fatigue, lack of concentration, low self-esteem, trouble sleeping, and lack of appetite or overeating.

Mishra, PhD says, “We’re looking at your changes in mood from day-to-day. So you don’t just tell me how you’re feeling at this very moment.”

Scientists say the first step in treatment is often a prescription for anti-depressant medications.

“About 30 to 50 percent of people respond to the standard of care, antidepressants that are available. Other than antidepressants, there’s also psychotherapy that’s available.” Explains Mishra, PhD.

Health experts say making some lifestyle changes can also help. This includes eating a well-balanced diet, exercising several times a week, and limiting alcohol use. There are also activities that can help people cope with the effects of PDD. Experts suggest going to a movie or a ballgame, spending time with friends, enjoying the outdoors, or taking a yoga class.

The Cleveland Clinic says PDD is more common in women and it can affect people at any age, including children and teens.

Contributors to this news report include: Lindsay Dailey, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor.