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.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following factors increases your chance of developing dysthymia.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
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Feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness
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Poor appetite or overeating
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Difficulty functioning at work or school
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Social withdrawal and/or conflicts
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Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
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Trouble concentrating
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Fatigue
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Low self-esteem
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, giving special attention to:
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How well you are sleeping
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Your level of fatigue
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Your ability to concentrate
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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:
Lifestyle Modifications
In addition to medications and therapy, the following lifestyle modifications may help you feel better:
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Participate in enjoyable activities
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Eat a healthful diet
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Avoid illegal drugs and alcohol
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Exercise regularly
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Have a regular sleep schedule
Prevention
There are no guidelines for preventing dysthymia.
RESOURCES:
American Association of Family Physicians
http://www.familydoctor.org
National Mental Health Association
http://www.nmha.org
References:
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. (Text Revision). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.; 2000.
Dysthymia. National Mental Health Association website. Available at: http://www.nmha.org/infocrtr/factsheets/26.cfm. Accessed November 10, 2005.
Dysthymic disorder: when depression lingers. American Association of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/054.xml. Accessed January 22, 2007.
Dysthymic disorder: when depression lingers. American Association of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/054.xml?printxml. Accessed November 10, 2005.
Lim MA, Moncrieff J, Soares BGO. Drugs versus placebo for dysthymia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2005;2:CD001130.
