What is Dysthymia?
Dysthymia (the Greek roots of the word mean "bad state of mind" or
"ill humor") is a disorder with similar but longer-lasting and milder
symptoms than clinical depression. By the standard psychiatric
definition, this disorder lasts for at least two years, but is less
disabling than major depression; for example, victims are usually able
to go on working and do not need to be hospitalized.
How Common Is It?
About three percent of the population will suffer from dysthymia
at some time - a rate slightly lower than the rate of major
depression. Like major depression, dysthymia occurs twice as often in
women as it does in men. It is also more common among the poor and the
unmarried. The symptoms usually appear in adolescence or young
adulthood but in some cases do not emerge until middle age.
Warning Signs
The warning signs of dysthymia are:
- Poor school/work performance
- Social withdrawal
- Shyness
- Irritable hostility
- Conflicts with family and friends
- Physiological abnormalities
- Sleep irregularities
- Parents with major depression
At least three-quarters of people with
dysthymia have some other psychiatric or medical disorder as well.
Current Treatments for Dysthymia
Therapy:
Psychotherapy or cognitive therapy (also known as "talk therapy") is
used to alter people's self-defeating thoughts.
Behavioral therapy may help people
learn how to act in a more "positive approach" to life and to
communicate better with friends, family, and co-workers.
Medications:
Tricyclic antidepressants, the standard treatment for major
depression, may be useful for dysthymia.
In many cases, the symptoms are hard to
recognize and classify, and the response to treatment is
unpredictable. Most people with dysthymia see only their family
doctor, who may misdiagnose them, especially if the main complaints
are physical. Many people do not think of themselves as depressed, and
are relieved to be told they have a treatable illness. Unfortunately,
mental health professionals are usually consulted only when major
depression develops, although dysthymia alone may lead to alcoholism
or suicide. Even when it is recognized, dysthymia is difficult to
treat. The longer a depression lasts the slower the recovery.
Source: National Mental Health
Association
