Depression

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Description

Dysthymia, sometimes referred to as mild, chronic depression, is less severe and has fewer symptoms than major depression. With dysthymia, the depression symptoms can linger for a long period of time, often two years or longer. Those who suffer from dysthymia can also experience periods of major depression--sometimes called "double depression." In modern diagnostic classification systems, dysthymia and chronic depression are now both referred to as 'persistent depressive disorders.

Causes

Experts are not sure what causes dysthymia or depression. Genes may play a role, but many affected people will not have a family history of depression, and others with family history will not have depression problems. Abnormal functioning in brain circuits or nerve cell pathways that connect different brain regions regulating mood are also thought to be involved. Major life stressors, chronic illness, medications, and relationship or work problems may also increase the chances of dysthymia in people biologically predisposed to developing depression.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dysthymia are the same as those of major depression but fewer in number and not as intense.

They include the following:-

Sadness or depressed mood most of the day or almost every day.

Loss of enjoyment in things that were once pleasurable.

Major change in weight (gain or loss of more than 5% of weight within a month) or appetite.

Insomnia or excessive sleep almost every day.

Being physically restless or rundown in a way that is noticeable by others.

Fatigue or loss of energy almost every day.

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness or excessive guilt almost every day.

Problems with concentration or making decisions almost every day.

Recurring thoughts of death or suicide, suicide plan, or suicide attempt.

Treatment

While dysthymia is a serious illness, it’s also very treatable. As with any chronic illness, early diagnosis and medical treatment may reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms and also reduce the likelihood of developing an episode of major depression.

To treat dysthymia, doctors may use psychotherapy (talk therapy), medications such as antidepressants, or a combination of these therapies. Often, dysthymia can be treated by a primary care physician.

Diagnosis

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 a longer period of time and be less severe than in patients with major depression.

With dysthymia, your doctor will want to make sure that the symptoms are not a result of a physical condition, such as hypothyroidism.

If you are depressed and have had depressive 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.

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Depression

Description

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Diagnosis