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February 9, 2012

Chronic Depression (Dysthymia)

Dysthymia, sometimes referred to as chronic depression, is a less severe form of depression. With dysthymia, the depression symptoms can linger for a long period of time, perhaps two years or longer. Those who suffer from dysthymia are usually able to function adequately but might seem consistently unhappy.

Dysthymia Symptoms

People with dysthymia derive little satisfaction or happiness from the activities of their everyday lives. This chronic mood disturbance, which can last up to four years, often goes hand in hand with major depressive episodes, and the combination can eventually lead to a recurrent depressive disorder. That's only one of the reasons prompt treatment is important; the daily sadness of dysthymia is disruptive enough without risking a secondary illness on top of it. Be supportive of your friends with dysthymia—sometimes just knowing that somebody cares can make a difference. And remember that dysthymia responds to treatment.


Top Searched Dysthymia Terms:

treatment, medications, cyclothymia, major depression, anhedonia, bipolar disorder

SOURCE: SAMHSA

What Causes Dysthymia?

Experts are not sure what causes dysthymia. This form of chronic depression is thought to be related to brain changes that involve serotonin, a chemical or neurotransmitter that aids your brain in coping with emotions. Major life stressors, chronic illness, medications, and relationship or work problems may also increase the chances of dysthymia.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dysthymia?

The symptoms of dysthymia are the same as those of major depression but not as intense and include the following:

  • Persistent sad or empty feeling


  • Difficulty sleeping (sleeping too much or too little)


  • Insomnia (early morning awakening)


  • Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness


  • Feelings of guilt


  • Loss of interest or the ability to enjoy oneself


  • Loss of energy or fatigue


  • Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions


  • Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite)


  • Observable mental and physical sluggishness


  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment


  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Is Dysthymia Common in the U.S.?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10.9 million Americans aged 18 and older are affected by dysthymia. While not disabling like major depression, dysthymia can keep you from feeling your best and functioning optimally. Dysthymia can begin in childhood or in adulthood and seems to be more common in women.



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Dysthymia

What is a depressive disorder?

Depressive disorders have been with mankind since the beginning of recorded history. In the Bible, King David, as well as Job, suffered from this affliction. Hippocrates referred to depression as melancholia, which literally means black bile. Black bile, along with blood, phlegm, and yellow bile were the four humors (fluids) that described the basic medical physiology theory of that time. Depression, also referred to as clinical depression, has been portrayed in literature and the arts for hundreds of years, but what do we mean today when we refer to a depressive disorder? In the 19th century, depression was seen as an inherited weakness of temperament. In the first half of the 20th century, Freud linked the development of depression to guilt and conflict. John Cheever, the author and a modern sufferer of depressive disorder, wrote of conflict and experiences with his parents as influencing his development of depression.

In the 19...

Read the Depression article »







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