How to Identify Dysthymic Disorder

Dysthymic disorder is characterized by chronic depression

The primary symptom of dysthymic disorder is chronic depression. However, it is less severe than major depression. Dysthymic disorder consists of a depressed mood on a daily basis for at least two years. This is usually accompanied by low self-esteem, low energy and sleep disturbances. The following article will discuss how to identify dysthymic disorder.

Instructions

1. Look for the symptoms to be present for at least two years when diagnosing dysthymic disorder. Be aware that the individual will be in a depressed mood for most days and will feel depressed more often than not.

2. Determine if the chronic depression is accompanied by at least two of the following symptoms: change in appetite, low energy, change is sleep patterns, lack of focus and concentration, low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness or difficulty with making decisions.

3. Know that manic episodes cannot be present in order to diagnose dysthymic disorder.

4. Major depressive episodes cannot have taken place during the first two years that symptoms were present. If they have, you do not have dysthymic disorder.

Tips & Warnings

• The primary treatment for dysthymic disorder is therapy.

• Counseling can help to ease feeling of depression and hopelessness.

• Cognitive therapy is used to change the way that people think. Depressive thoughts are positively reframed.

• No one knows exactly what causes dysthymic disorder. Some believe that is may be triggered by changes in the brain chemical, serotonin. Serotonin enables the brain to deal with emotions and make decisions.

• Working out regularly can help to alleviate depressive symptoms. Exercise has been shown to improve mood.

• Medication should not be a long term treatment option for dysthymic disorder. Medication should be used only to help alleviate acute symptoms and only for a limited time.

• Dysthymic disorder is chronic depression that affects women two to three times more often than men.

• Dysthymic disorder typically has an early onset. It is not unusual for someone with dysthymic disorder to think that it is normal or natural to always feel depressed.

• Dysthymic disorder is fairly common. It is estimated that up to 3% of the population has dysthymic disorder.

• People who have close family members who have major depressive disorder are more likely to have dysthymic disorder.

• Ten percent of those who are diagnosed with dysthymic disorder will develop major depression.

• If you have been diagnosed with dysthymic disorder, avoid drugs and alcohol. They make depressive symptoms worse.

Resources

• Overview of Dysthymic Disorder