We all have good days and bad. One day, you draw the praise of your boss at work, and the next, nothing you do seems to go right. But when you’re consumed by the blues for extended periods of time, there may be more to it, and you may require professional care. You may be suffering from a condition known as dysthymia or dysthymic disorder.

About Dysthymic Disorder

Dysthymia is a mild form of depression that approaches seemingly unnoticed. Its victims tend to feel hopeless with low self-esteem. They complain with great regularity, show anger excessively, and have no interest in social interaction. Dysthymia often results in decreased productivity at work, poor or excessive appetite, trouble sleeping, and extreme, extended stress. It may occur at any age. People with a family history of dysthymia or depression are at greater risk than those with none. Women are also at greater risk than men.

Dysthymic disorder is caused by changes in the brain chemical serotonin, which helps someone make judgments and handle emotions. It can be brought on by stressful situations in life, genetic factors, and an assortment of health problems.

Sporadic episodes of sadness are normal and not necessarily indicative of an underlying problem. If low moods become a chronic issue, however, the problem may be caused by serotonin irregularities characteristic of dysthymia. Dysthymic disorder is a mild but long-lasting form of depression marked by extensive, almost daily depressed moods that last for at least one year in children and adolescents and at least two years in adults.

In addition to sadness, adults with dysthymic disorder may experience irregular sleeping and eating patterns, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, and feelings of hopelessness. They may also have a poor self image, low self-esteem, and habitually feel guilty about their decisions.

When the onset of dysthymia occurs in individuals under the age of 21, it is referred to as early-onset dysthymia and is marked by symptoms that may differ from those found in adults. Early-onset dysthymic disorder is often manifested as irritation rather than sadness and can lead to poor school performance, pessimism, and undeveloped social skills. 

Dysthymia is diagnosed through a combination of physical exams and psychological tests. In the physical examination, the doctor checks vital signs, like temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, and assesses the condition of the lungs, thyroid, and abdomen. The exam also includes drug and alcohol screening, and a complete blood count test. All of this is necessary in order to rule out other possible conditions that may be causing the symptoms of dysthymia.

In the psychological evaluation, the mental health care provider asks questions regarding any specific symptoms and how they are affecting daily life. The patient may be asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding his or her state of mind.

Dysthymia is treated with medication and psychotherapy. Medications include antidepressants that may take several months to produce observable results. Even then, the patient may need to continue taking them for years to prevent the depression from returning. These antidepressants may produce serious side effects such as diarrhea, reduced sex drive, weight gain, and suicidal tendencies. It is very important to take antidepressants only on orders from a doctor.

Psychotherapy includes counseling, cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy, and interpersonal therapy. In cognitive behavior therapy, patients are taught how to think positively. In family therapy, the patient’s entire immediate family is given counseling on how to lend support to their loved one. Interpersonal therapy focuses on complications with the patient’s interactions with others, such as disputes and outward grieving, and how to overcome the depression that fosters them.

It is recommended that the patient prepare a list of questions to ask during visits to the doctor. These may involve the treatment plan, medications, psychotherapy, duration of medication use, side effects of medication, ways to reduce side effects, and advice on self-help. The doctor may also be able to provide printed materials for the patient to take home and read. It’s a good idea for the patient to take a relative or close friend to the doctor to help remember information that is provided.

Between visits to the doctor, a dysthymia patient can take several self-help initiatives. It is a good idea to take a step back, and recognize the presence of negative thoughts, then find ways to dismiss them. Spend some quality time with family and friends. Pursue a hobby that brings personal satisfaction. Help people in need. Be conscious of eating and drinking habits, and make sure they are healthy. The sooner the treatment begins, the greater the chance of success.