Dysthymia is a mild depressive disorder that causes a person to be constantly depressed though mostly functional. Which is why the disorder is also known as persistent depressive disorder, but you can learn to control it with dysthymia treatment.
What dysthymia lacks in severity it makes up for with longevity. The disorder is mild enough to allow a person to function. However, it often lasts two years or more, punctuated with periods of major depression. These spells of severe depression are referred to as double depression because a person now has to deal with two sets of depression.
Luckily, you do not have to make peace with dysthymia. By learning more about the condition and seeking dysthymia treatment, you can live a full and fulfilled life.
It is a known fact that the flu is caused by flu viruses and that broken skin is caused by trauma or a cut. The cause of chronic depressive disorder is not that clear cut. Like with severe depression, dysthymia is thought to occur as a result of one or more several causes like:
1. Altered brain chemistry
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that carry signals between nerve endings. Think of these chemicals like battery acid, with the nerve endings being the terminals.
It is thought that changes in mood can happen when there is a change in how the neurotransmitters function or affect the nerves.
2. Major life events
A change in circumstances or a traumatic event can trigger persistent but mild depression that can be mistakenly shrugged off as regular sadness.
Money troubles, the end of a relationship or bereavement are some of the things that can trigger dysthymia.
3. A family history
Many mental health conditions run in families, so a person with relatives that suffer from depression is more likely to suffer from a form of depression.
At its onset, dysthymia is often explained away as the sadness that follows a distressing event. The thing that sets it apart from sadness is its persistence and the occasional spells of severe depression that come with it.
Common symptoms of dysthymia are:
Usually, a person will show one or more of these symptoms, which will work together to make the person feel that life is a slog. When these feelings persist for months on end, a person or their loved ones should seek medical help.
Left untreated, dysthymia can affect a person's relationships, work, school and their overall physical and mental health. A person who goes to the doctor will be examined to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Once the doctor confirms persistent depressive disorder, they will create a treatment plan using or more of the following approaches:
Persistent depressive disorder is an illness like any other, so you should give it the attention it deserves. Luckily, you can beat it with dysthymia treatment and life changes that will get you feeling better about life in general and about yourself specifically.
If you need our help, come and talk to us. We would love to spend time with you and talk about your condition.
At Eileen Wachter, MD , we provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of mental health issues like dysthymia. Visit us at our New York office today.