Depression:
Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)
What Is Dysthymia?
Dysthymia, sometimes referred to as chronic depression, is a less severe form of depression but the depression symptoms linger for a long period of time, perhaps years. Those who suffer from dysthymia are usually able to function adequately, but seem consistently unhappy.
It is common for a person with dysthymia to also experience major depression at the same time - swinging into a major depressive episode and then back to a more mild state of dysthymia. This is called double depression.
Symptoms of Dysthymia Are the Same as Those of Major Depression and Include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of interest or the ability to enjoy oneself
- Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
- Changes in appetite
- Observable mental and physical sluggishness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Who Experiences Dysthymia?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10.9 million Americans aged 18 and older are affected by dysthymia.
How Is Dysthymia Diagnosed?
If you are depressed and have had symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor or a psychiatrist. Your provider will perform a thorough medical evaluation, paying particular attention to your personal and family psychiatric history.
There is no blood, X-ray or other laboratory test that can be used to diagnose dysthymia.
A mental health specialist generally makes the diagnosis based on the person’s symptoms. In the case of dysthymia, these symptoms will have lasted for longer and be less severe than in patients with major depression.
What Treatments Are Available for Dysthymia?
Dysthymia is a serious but treatable illness. Some people with dysthymia may do well with psychotherapy or “talk” therapy alone. But in some cases that is not adequate and your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medication as well.
…aaj kal bohat bemariya hain
…stop rolling ur dam eyes at me