Dysthymia is similar to
depression, but its symptoms are milder and it lasts longer—at least two years. People with dysthymia experience mild to moderate depression that may subside during periods of normal mood that last up to two months. Dysthymia can be treated with medications, so contact your doctor if you think you have this condition.
Causes
The cause of dysthymia is not known. It is thought that changes in the brain’s production of the chemical serotonin, which helps your brain handle emotions and make judgments, may play a role.
People who have dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression in their lifetime.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
Feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness
Poor appetite or overeating
Difficulty functioning at work or school
Social withdrawal and/or conflicts
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Trouble concentrating
Fatigue
Low self-esteem
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, giving special attention to:
How well you are sleeping
Your level of fatigue
Your ability to concentrate
Your family history of depression
Your doctor may perform tests and/or a physical exam to determine if you have another medical condition (eg, a
thyroid disorder) or are taking a medication that is causing you to feel depressed. You may be referred to a mental health professional who specializes in treating depression.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Antidepressant Medications
Dysthymia can be treated with antidepressant medications that relieve depression. It may take a few weeks or months before you and your doctor can tell whether antidepressant medications are helping. You may need to take these medications for a number of years, and it is important to keep taking them until your doctor tells you to stop.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy may include:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Counseling
Family therapy
Interpersonal therapy
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to medications and therapy, the following lifestyle modifications may help you feel better:
Participate in enjoyable activities.
Eat a healthful diet.
Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol.
Exercise regularly.
Have a regular sleep schedule.
Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing dysthymia.
RESOURCES:
American Association of Family Physicians http://www.familydoctor.org
National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov
National Mental Health Association http://www.nmha.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org
Mood Disorder Association of Canada http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/index.htm
References:
American Psychiatric Association.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc; 2000.
Depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/complete-publication.shtml. Accessed January 20, 2008.
Dysthymia. National Mental Health Association website. Available at:
http://www1.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/26.cfm. Accessed January 20, 2008.
Dysthymic disorder: when depression lingers. American Association of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/054.xml Accessed January 20, 2008.
Lim MA, Moncrieff J, Soares BGO. Drugs versus placebo for dysthymia.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005;2:CD001130.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
