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Dysthymic Disorder
| Description Dysthymic (dis-THI-mic) disorder, also called dysthymia, is a long-term mild to moderate type of mood (emotion) disorder. It is the most common type of depression and is often seen among women. Dysthymia is when you feel depressed most of the day and are depressed for more days than not for at least two years. Dysthymia affects how you feel about yourself and life in general. It can involve a depressed mood or a loss of interest or pleasure in all or almost all of your usual activities. This may greatly affect your daily activities at school, work, or at home. Dysthymia may also cause you to have problems getting along with your family, friends, and other people. When dysthymia occurs with more severe depression, you may have something called double depression. Double depression happens when you have both dysthymia and major depression. This condition has more symptoms and is harder to treat. Ask your caregiver for more information about double depression. Diagnosing and treating dysthymia as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. What causes dysthymic disorder? The exact cause of dysthymia is not clear. You may not be able to tell exactly why you feel unhappy or depressed. Caregivers believe that dysthymia may be caused by chemical changes in your brain. It may also appear after a physical or emotional stress, such as the loss of a loved one. The following conditions may make you more likely to have dysthymia: Childhood history of physical or sexual abuse. Having a close family member with dysthymia or other mood disorders. Learning or memory problems. Long-term conditions, such as diabetes, drug abuse, and alcoholism. Other behavior or personality problems, such as anti-social or panic disorder. What are the signs and symptoms of dysthymic disorder? The most common symptom of dysthymia is feeling sad or unhappy most of the time. You may have little or no joy in your life. You may not even remember a time when you felt happy, excited, or inspired. You may also have one or more of the following: Always feeling negative, gloomy, or hopeless. Get tired easily, be inactive, and have a hard time enjoying things or having fun. Poor concentration and not able to think clearly. Problems eating, such as poor appetite or overeating. Sleeping too much or problems getting enough sleep. Trouble making decisions. Worry a lot, have a poor self-image, and think of yourself as a failure. How is dysthymic disorder diagnosed? There is no lab test that can diagnose dysthymia. Caregivers use a guide to diagnose dysthymia. You have dysthymia if you have at least two symptoms linked to your depressed mood. The symptoms must be present for at least two years, during which there has not been a period of more than one or two months where you have not had any symptoms. It should also not be caused by other problems. These symptoms must be bad enough to cause problems with your daily activities and relationships. How is dysthymic disorder treated? You may have any of the following:
These medicines may be used to help treat your depression by lifting up your mood.
With a therapist, you will learn how to control your actions and change your behavior to help make yourself feel better. You will be taught how to change your behavior by looking at the results of your actions. You may learn that certain behaviors have good or bad results. These results may make you feel either good or bad about yourself. Good behaviors will be rewarded and encouraged, while unwanted or bad behaviors will be discouraged. Ask your caregiver for more information about behavior therapy.
This therapy, also called ECT, may be used when anti-depressant medicines, behavior therapy, or psychotherapy does not work. It is done by sending a small electric shock through the brain.
This is also called talk therapy. These talks are usually done in a series of meetings. Meetings or talks may be held with you and may include your family or friends. These meetings can help everyone better understand dysthymia. Where can I find support and more information? Having dysthymia is a life-changing disorder for you and your family. Accepting that you have dysthymia may be hard. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Your caregiver can help your family better understand how to support a person with dysthymia. You may want to join a support group with other people who also have dysthymia. Contact the following organizations for more information: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Public Information & Communication Branch National Mental Health Association |
