Dysthymic Disorder

Dysthymic disorder refers to a mood disorder with chronic (long-term) depressive symptoms that can last from a few days to two years or even more. In fact, people suffering from the disorder may not even be able to recall the exact cause for depression. Patients with dysthymic disorder often complain of tiredness, dampened spirits, low self-esteem, and lack of pleasure. These people may also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives. Studies have revealed that women and divorcees are more prone to suffer from dysthymic disorder. Although a chronic disease, this disorder can be easily treated medically.

The symptoms of dysthymic disorder vary from person to person. Common symptoms of the disease are depressed moods that last for a day or more, abnormal sleep patterns, poor appetite, aggression and irritability, lethargy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, a feeling worthlessness and hopelessness, and difficulty in making decisions. Prevalence of any five of the above mentioned symptoms for a period of two weeks or more confirms the diagnosis. These symptoms are found to occur more commonly in women, but men as well as children are known to suffer from the disorder too.

As is the case with the other types of depression, the exact cause of dysthymic disorder is unknown. Biological, genetic, and environmental factors play a key role in its development. Deficiency of certain chemical substances, known as neurotransmitters, in the brain can lead to the development of this disorder. Certain hormones seem to play a vital role in triggering symptoms of the disease. Levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) have been found to be elevated during the phase of acute depression. These levels return to normal when the person comes out of depression. Thyroid hormones may also cause depression. A stressful life, traumatic upbringing, and major disappointments, losses, or failures may contribute to the development of the disorder.

Patients suffering from dysthymic disorders must be treated with warmth, support, and care. Like other forms of depression, dysthymic disorder can also be treated by medication and psychotherapy. Medicines are generally used for provide immediate symptomatic relief. As dysthymic disorder is chronic in nature, long-term treatment is usually avoided. Antidepressants are common prescriptions for such patients. Psychotherapy is more efficient in eliminating and lowering the level of depression.

Individual psychotherapy entails one-on-one interactions between the patient and the professional. Group therapy is more effective than individual psychotherapy because, in the former, the patient is looked after by group of specialists. Family therapy comprises provision of knowledge and support to the patient's family members so as to make the atmosphere at home comfortable and conducive to healing. These therapies aim at figuring out the probable causes and their possible solutions. A healthy lifestyle and positive thinking can further speed up the recovery process. There are no specific guidelines to prevent dysthymic disorder. However, early identification of the problem and its prompt treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and giving rise to complications.

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