Dysthymia – Symptoms And Treatment
December 12, 2009
Dysthymia, also known as dysthymic disorder, is a mild form of depression. Due to its mild nature, we often tend to ignore it. However, its chronic nature could impair our normal activities for several years.
Symptoms of dysthymia
The symptoms of dysthymia might last for two or more years. Unlike people with major depression, dysthymia might not interrupt your regular activities. However, a sense of unhappiness or hopelessness persists. Although, adults are primarily the victims of dysthymia, it is not unusual to find dysthymia cases among children. It has been observed that women more than men are prone to chronic depression or dysthymia. The symptoms of dysthymia, though not as debilitating as those of major depression, are same as that of major depression. People suffering from dysthymia will experience a sense of emptiness and melancholy. They might sleep too little or oversleep.
Irritability, excess anger, poor concentration, fatigue, feeling of guilt, low productivity, self-criticism, indecisiveness and avoiding social interactions are common symptoms of dysthymia. Sometimes physical symptoms such as persistent headache, indigestion, aches and cramps could develop from this mental condition.
Causes of dysthymia
The exact causes of dysthymia are unknown. It is believed that perhaps changes in the level of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, are responsible for this condition. Sometimes depression tends to run in families. It is believed that your genes might determine the condition of your emotional health. Environmental problems such as stress, financial problems, death of a close one, problems in work place, chronic illness and relationship problems can also lead to chronic depression.
Dysthymia treatment
Although, dysthymia is a chronic illness, with proper medical care it can be completely cured. Psychiatrists usually prescribe antidepressant medications and counseling for treating this condition. If left untreated dysthymia could lead to complications. Sometimes untreated dysthymia could cause double depression, characterized by periods of major depression interspersed with periods of mild depression or dysthymia. You can overcome dysthymia with healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise and nutritious diet could improve your mental health. To reduce the symptoms of dysthymia, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Herbs such as St. John’s wort, licorice and turmeric are used by folk healers of curing dysthymia.
Comments
Got something to say? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.