What is Dysthymia?
Dysthymia is a less severe mild chronic depression which has few symptoms of major depression which can be present for a long time. The patient can sometimes face double depression which is plus the major depression.
Causes of Dysthymia
The exact cause of Dysthymia is not known yet, but specialists say that it can be developed by some factors like;
- Hereditary factors which involve genetics whereby those who have a family member with Dysthymia are at likely to have developed it too that can be visible at young age.
- Change in body chemical messenger which are the brain neurotransmitters
- Thoughts and perceptions concerning the universe
- Medical illness or even chronic illness
- Social isolation
- Mental health conditions
What is dysthymia characterized by?
- Poor when it comes to concentration
- Irregular sleeping pattern
- Low self esteem
- Tiredness
- Prolonged depressed mood
- Hopelessness
- Change in appetite
The severity of the symptoms depending in someone’s ability to control them may affect them at their workplace, school and other social situations.
Diagnosis
Recognition of Dysthymia is not easy because sometimes the symptoms might be as a result of substance abuse or even mental health conditions like the anemia or thyroids.
Specialists diagnose people with Dysthymia especially when one has irritable mood that goes for more than a year in adolescents and children.
When one has a chronically depressed mood that has lasted for more than two years
When one can’t go for two months without facing poor concentration, low self-esteem, irregular sleeping and hopelessness.
Prevention and treatment
It’s treated by use of medication and psychotherapy including the use of
Antidepressant medications like the fluvoxamine, citalopram and paroxetine
Use of psychotherapeutic approaches of short term which to treat the persisting depression symptom which may include peer support, cognitive behavior psychotherapy and interpersonal psychotherapy.
Short-term psychotherapeutic approaches to treating persistent depressive disorder are quite effective at treating the symptoms of depression. Effective psychotherapies include.
cognitive behavioral psychotherapy which helps the person to understand his his or her thoughts affect their behavior and their feelings.
interpersonal psychotherapy which helps in problems of the patient’s relationship with others
Group therapy will also be used in managing dysthymia.