Dysthymia (Dysthymic disorder)

Overview

Dysthymia or dysthymic disorder is a chronic pervasive mood disorder characterized by long periods of low mood and impaired functioning. Dysthymia affects both children and adults and it is more common than one might think. Studies show that between 3% and 6% of adults will experience dysthymia during their lifetime although many won't even know it. It is slightly more prevalent among women than men.

Symptoms

Dysthymia lasts longer but is generally less severe than major clinical depression. It is essentially a chronically depressed mood that occurs for most of the day for more days than not over a period of at least two years without long symptom-free periods.

Symptoms may include:

  • persistent feelings of sadness
  • feeling hopeless or helpless
  • having low self-esteem
  • feeling inadequate
  • excessive guilt
  • feelings of wanting to die
  • loss of interest in usual activities
  • difficulty with relationships
  • sleep disturbances
  • changes in appetite or weight
  • decreased energy
  • difficulty concentrating
  • indecisiveness
  • suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • hypersensitivity to failure or rejection
  • irritability hostility aggression
  • frequent physical complaints (i.e. headache stomach ache fatigue)

Causes

No one knows for sure what causes dysthymia. It may be related to some changes in the brain that involve serotonin a chemical that helps you handle emotions and make judgments. Personality problems medical problems and ongoing life stress may also play a role. If you have close relatives who have suffered from a mood disorder you may have a higher risk than others for developing dysthymia.

Treatment

If you think you might have dysthymia talk to your doctor. He or she will ask you questions about your health and any symptoms you might be experiencing. It is possible that your symptoms may be related to a problem with your thyroid or certain medicine you may be taking. Your doctor will want to rule this out before deciding if you actually have a mood disorder.

If you do have dysthymia treatment is readily available. Because of the chronic nature of the disorder your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant. However don't expect an overnight change in your mood. It may take weeks or even several months before you notice an improvement. When you do begin to feel better continue to take the antidepressant until your doctor tells you to stop. In spite of a high recovery rate the risk of relapse is significant. Your doctor might also refer you to a psychotherapist who can help you deal with your feelings and develop better coping skills. Because episodes of dysthymia may last for longer than five years long-term continued treatment may help to prevent reoccurrence of the depressive symptoms.

It might also help to:

  • Get involved in activities that make you feel good or make you feel like you've accomplished something.
  • Eat well-balanced healthy meals.
  • Don't use drugs or drink alcohol. Both can make depression worse.
  • Get plenty of exercise. Exercising 4 to 6 times a week for 30 to 60 minutes each time is a good goal. Exercise can help lift your mood.
  • Seek peer support. Learning more about your disorder and seeking information and support in how cope with a mood disorders has been found to have a positive impact on recovery and prevention of relapse. Contact your local Mood Disorders Association to find a self-help group in your community.

Additional Resources:

Mood Disorders Association of Canada

Canadian Mental Health Association