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Dysthymic Disorder: When Depression Lingers
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What is dysthymic disorder?
Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, is a type of
depression that lasts for at least 2 years.
Some people suffer from dysthymia for many
years. Their depression is usually mild or
moderate, rather than severe. Most people
with dysthymia can't tell for sure when
they first became depressed.
Symptoms of dysthymic disorder include
a poor appetite or overeating, difficulty
sleeping or sleeping too much, low energy,
fatigue and feelings of hopelessness. People
with dysthymic disorder may have periods of
normal mood that last up to 2 months. Family
members and friends may not even know that
their loved one is depressed. Even though
this type of depression is mild, it may
make it difficult for a person to function
at home, school or work.
How common is dysthymic disorder?
Dysthymic disorder is a fairly common type
of depression. It is estimated that up to
3% of people have dysthymia. Dysthymia can
begin in childhood or in adulthood. No one
knows why, but like most types of depression,
it appears to be more common in women.
What causes dysthymic disorder?
No one knows for sure what causes dysthymia.
It may be related to some changes in the brain
that involve a chemical called serotonin
(say "seer-o-tone-in"). Serotonin helps your
brain handle emotions and make judgments.
Personality problems, medical problems and
ongoing life stress may also play a role.
How is dysthymic disorder diagnosed?
If you think you have dysthymia, discuss
your concerns with your doctor. Your doctor
will ask you questions to find out if you
have depression and, if so, to identify
the type of depression you have. Your
doctor may ask you questions about your
health and your symptoms, such as how
well you're sleeping, if you feel tired
all of the time, and if you have trouble
concentrating. Your doctor will also
consider medical reasons that may cause
you to feel depressed, such as problems
with your thyroid or a certain medicine
you may be taking.
What is the treatment for dysthymic disorder?
Dysthymic disorder can be treated with an
antidepressant medicine. This type of drug
relieves depression. Antidepressants are
commonly prescribed, and they are safe.
They do not create an artificial "high,"
and they are not habit-forming.
If you are given an antidepressant, it
may take a number of weeks, or even
several months, before you and your
doctor know whether the drug is helping
you. It is important for you to take the
medicine exactly as your doctor tells you
to. If the antidepressant helps you feel
better, you may need to take this medicine
for several years. You should continue to
take the antidepressant drug until your doctor
tells you to stop, even if you begin to feel
better. If you stop taking the medicine,
you may get depressed again.
Will I have to see a psychiatrist or psychotherapist?
You may not have to see a psychiatrist or
psychotherapist unless medication is not
working or you have problems taking the
drugs that are usually prescribed for
depression. Sometimes, in addition to
taking an antidepressant medicine,
patients are referred for psychotherapy
to help them deal with specific problems.
This type of therapy can be very helpful
for some people.
What can I do to help myself feel better?
Talking to your doctor about how you're
feeling and getting treatment for dysthymic
disorder are the first steps to feeling better.
The following are other ways to make yourself feel better:
Get involved in activities that make you
feel good or make you feel like you've
accomplished something. For example,
go to a movie, take a drive on a pleasant day,
go to a ball game or work in the garden.
Eat well-balanced, healthy meals.
Don't use drugs or drink alcohol. Both can
make depression worse.
Get plenty of exercise. Exercising 4 to 6
times a week for 30 to 60 minutes each time
is a good goal. Exercise can help lift your mood.
(Created 9/00)
(Updated 03/03)
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This handout provides a general overview on
this topic and may not apply to everyone.
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