Dysthymia
Key points
- Chronic depression, called dysthymia, often begins in childhood or adolescence and may last for many years in adulthood if not treated.
- A disorder with a chronic depressed mood; it is a mild form of depression.
- However, affected people struggle most days with symptoms of depressed mood.
- The person's own description of the behavior usually leads to diagnosis of the disorder.
Chronic depression, called dysthymia, often begins in childhood or adolescence and may last for many years in adulthood if not treated. People with dysthymia:
- Feel emotionally numb; they exist in a state of perpetual, low-level melancholy, going through the motions of everyday life with very little enthusiasm or interest
- Tend to be negative thinkers, usually seeing the proverbial glass as half-empty instead of half-full
- Are unable to savor or enjoy anything (anhedonic), even things they once enjoyed
Because dysthymia is so chronic (ongoing), existing in this way becomes so familiar that the sufferer, family, and friends may believe it is simply the person's nature or personality. Many sufferers do not seek treatment because they do not realize they are clinically depressed. Recovery from dysthymia is often incomplete, and there is a high risk that the person may sink into major depressive episodes throughout life. When this happens, they are suffering from double depression.
Dysthymia Disorder
Definition
A disorder with a chronic depressed mood; it is a mild form of depression.
Alternative Names
Neurotic depression (dysthymia); Dysthymic disorder; Chronic depression
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The cause is unknown. The symptoms are not as severe as depression. However, affected people struggle most days with symptoms of depressed mood. It occurs more frequently in women than men and generally persists over a period of years. It can occur in children.
Symptoms
* Depressed mood for most of the day
o Depressed more days than not
o Continues for 2 years or longer
* Poor appetite or overeating
* Insomnia or hypersomnia
* Low energy or fatigue
* Low self-esteem
* Poor concentration
* Feelings of hopelessness
Signs and tests
The person's own description of the behavior usually leads to diagnosis of the disorder. A physical examination is given to rule out physical cause, and a psychological evaluation is given to rule out other psychiatric disorders.
Treatment
Treatment consists of a combination of medication and therapy. The most common therapies are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. Often, higher doses of medications are necessary than for severe depression.
Expectations (prognosis)
The overall outlook is good with treatment but the disorder may persist for several years.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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