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What is Dysthymia?
Dysthymia is a low-level state of depressed mood that lasts a long time. The depressed state of dysthymia is not as severe as with major depression, but can be just as disabling.
Symptoms of dysthymia:
~ Low self-esteem or self-confidence, or feelings of inadequacy
~ Feelings of pessimism, despair or hopelessness
~ Generalized loss of interest or pleasure
~ Social withdrawal
~ Chronic fatigue or tiredness
~ Feelings of guilt or brooding about the past
~ Subjective feelings of irritability or excessive anger
~ Decreased activity, effectiveness or productivity
~ Difficulty in thinking: poor memory, poor concentration or indecisiveness
Dysthymic disorder is diagnosed when these symptoms last for more than two years in adults (or one year in children) and a person has not been symptom-free for more than two months at a time.
People with dysthymia may be unaware that they have an illness. They might be able to go to work and manage their lives to some degree. However, they may be irritable, stressed, or sleepless much of the time. Many people with dysthymia believe their symptoms are just part of their personality. It may be more difficult for them to seek treatment.
About 3-6% of the population has dysthymic disorder. People with dysthymia often have their first symptoms earlier in life than those with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
Some people have dysthymia along with periodic episodes of major depression. Martin B. Keller, M.D coined the term “double depression” to describe this.
How is dysthymia different from depression?
Two research studies suggest that the symptoms of depression and dysthymia do overlap but that symptoms such as weight change or sleep disturbance are less likely to be found in people with dysthymia. These symptoms are more prevalent in people with chronic major depression. Other symptoms which are more psychological in nature such as feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness are common to people with both dysthymia and chronic major depression.
Looking at family history may help with diagnosis. Another recent report suggested that the family histories of people with dysthymia and chronic major depression were more similar to each other than to the family histories of people with an acute episode of major depression.
Treatments and therapies that are effective for treating depression, such as medication, psychotherapy and peer support can also work for people with dysthymic disorder. As with depression, people with dysthymia may need to try more than one treatment or medication, and it may take several weeks for medication to work.
If you think you are struggling with dysthymia, please contact a qualified mental health professional for help.
Dysthymia is a low-level state of depressed mood that lasts a long time. The depressed state of dysthymia is not as severe as with major depression, but can be just as disabling.
Symptoms of dysthymia:
~ Low self-esteem or self-confidence, or feelings of inadequacy
~ Feelings of pessimism, despair or hopelessness
~ Generalized loss of interest or pleasure
~ Social withdrawal
~ Chronic fatigue or tiredness
~ Feelings of guilt or brooding about the past
~ Subjective feelings of irritability or excessive anger
~ Decreased activity, effectiveness or productivity
~ Difficulty in thinking: poor memory, poor concentration or indecisiveness
Dysthymic disorder is diagnosed when these symptoms last for more than two years in adults (or one year in children) and a person has not been symptom-free for more than two months at a time.
People with dysthymia may be unaware that they have an illness. They might be able to go to work and manage their lives to some degree. However, they may be irritable, stressed, or sleepless much of the time. Many people with dysthymia believe their symptoms are just part of their personality. It may be more difficult for them to seek treatment.
About 3-6% of the population has dysthymic disorder. People with dysthymia often have their first symptoms earlier in life than those with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
Some people have dysthymia along with periodic episodes of major depression. Martin B. Keller, M.D coined the term “double depression” to describe this.
How is dysthymia different from depression?
Two research studies suggest that the symptoms of depression and dysthymia do overlap but that symptoms such as weight change or sleep disturbance are less likely to be found in people with dysthymia. These symptoms are more prevalent in people with chronic major depression. Other symptoms which are more psychological in nature such as feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness are common to people with both dysthymia and chronic major depression.
Looking at family history may help with diagnosis. Another recent report suggested that the family histories of people with dysthymia and chronic major depression were more similar to each other than to the family histories of people with an acute episode of major depression.
Treatments and therapies that are effective for treating depression, such as medication, psychotherapy and peer support can also work for people with dysthymic disorder. As with depression, people with dysthymia may need to try more than one treatment or medication, and it may take several weeks for medication to work.
If you think you are struggling with dysthymia, please contact a qualified mental health professional for help.
Disclaimer: The contents of this site and all the pages herein are intended for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice at any time. None of the information in this site is intended to be taken as medical direction or advice, therapeutic, legal, or otherwise. This is not a replacement for professional services. At no time does use of this site nor communication through this site constitute a therapeutic relationship between the user and therapist. Keri M. Zwerner, MA, LMFT and LifeHealingHeart assume no liability for the content of this site or damages that may result from use, reference to, reliance on, or decisions resulting from its use. Use of this site establishes your consent to the provisions of this disclaimer. Copyright 2006. All rights reserved