By: Ria Thakkar

CHRONIC DEPRESSION/ DYSTHYMIA

WHAT IS IT?

• Defined as chronic, but long term depression

• With dysthymia, you may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, and have low self-esteem and an overall feeling of inadequacy.

• People with dysthymia are often thought of as being overly critical, constantly complaining and incapable of having fun.

SYMPTOMS• Loss of interest in daily activities

• Sadness or feeling down

• Hopelessness

• Tiredness and lack of energy

• Low self-esteem, self-criticism or feeling incapable

• Trouble concentrating and trouble making decisions

• Irritability or excessive anger

• Decreased activity, effectiveness and productivity

• Avoidance of social activities

• Feelings of guilt and worries over the past

• Poor appetite or overeating

• Sleep problems

HOW COMMON IS IT?

• According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1.5% of adult Americans are affected by dysthymia.

• Dysthymia is not as an extreme form of depression as major depressive disorder, but most symptoms do prevent many Americans from participating in daily activities

• Dysthymia can begin in childhood or in adulthood

• Dysthymia is more common in women.

MEDICAL BACKGROUND

• As with most cases of depression, dysthymia is caused by a variety of things. These include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Biological factors - Such as alterations in neurotransmitters, endocrine, or inflammatory mediators

• Chronic

• Chronic medical illness

• Psychosocial factors

• Antisocial, borderline, dependent, depressive, histrionic, or schizotypal personality traits

HOW IS IT TREATED?

• Early diagnosis and medical treatment

• Can often my cured by a primary care physician

• Two types of treatment are most commonly used: psychotherapy, and antidepressant medications

EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

• Psychotherapy can come in the form of one on one therapy, family therapy, or group therapy

• Essentially, the patient is encouraged to speak about their feelings with the disorder in an open, friendly, and safe environment

PREVENTION

• Early diagnosis is the key factor in prevention of depression

• If you feel you relationships are suffering, you feel you have an excessively negative attitude, or you’ve considered suicide, please see a doctor

ANTIDEPRESSANT/ MEDICATIONS

• Antidepressants take 6 to 9 weeks to take full effect, so give it some time

• Antidepressants are essentially stimulants, in the same category as caffeine

• Antidepressants usually have some uncomfortable side effects, such as nausea and rashes

SOURCES• http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/chronic-depression-dysthymia

• http://psychcentral.com/lib/a-current-look-at-chronic-depression/

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dysthymia/basics/symptoms/con-20033879