Chronic dysthymic disorder

What is Dysthmia?

There are a lot of people all over the world who are not aware of what exactly dysthymia actually is. People need to know that this is a type of mild depression. It is also chronic. In most cases, people who suffer from it have experienced first signs of it during their childhood years and in the early stages of adulthood. Even though it is known as mild, this type of depression can last for years. Some experts believe that it is more similar to major depression that to a mild one. In most cases, people who have developed this type of depression are not aware that they are suffering from it. A vast number of these people believe that it is simply the way they are. It is important not to think this way, because a person will develop a negative view on the world. In addition to this, a lot of people with dysthymia attempt suicide. However, people need to know that there are ways this depression can be treated.

Symptoms

A lot of symptoms of this type of depression are the same as those of major depression. The only difference is that these symptoms may not be as severe or intense. However, there are some symptoms that are not present in cases of major depression. The duration of the illness is what is important for it to be diagnosed. Adults experience the symptoms for more than two years before it can be diagnosed and children experience them for a year or so. The symptoms are not always present, they tend to go away and return. It is important that people understand that this illness needs to be treated. Some of the most common symptoms include sad mood, trouble sleeping, loss or increase of appetite or weight, feelings of both worthlessness and hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, poor motivation, general loss of interest in things, anger, irritability, restlessness and alcohol and medications abuse.

Who gets dysthymia?

Both men and women suffer from it but women are more prone to it.

Treatment

Since dysthymia is a chronic depression, the treatment will last for a long time. Most treatment plans include both antidepressants and talk therapy.

Medications for dysthymia

Until a few years ago, people thought that talk therapy is the only way to treat this chronic depression. However, nowadays people are prescribed with certain antidepressants which help the process of recovery. People need to know that most of the medications are supposed to be taken for a several years.