| Note: The following article is based on independent research and does not substitute professional/medical advice. Kindly seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms listed below. Do not misuse the drugs or supplements that are prescribed by your doctor. |
What is dysthymic disorder? It is a common question that you may find on common health blogs or mental health forums. This can confuse you as you usually receive a mix of answers.
Dysthymic disorder is a mood disturbance that can last for a long time. It may last years with transient regular periods. At least 3-6% of the general populace in the US experiences this condition despite being in primary care.
It is a common hereditary mental health condition that can show up (as symptoms) under the influence of psychological stressors in the surroundings. The following article will investigate how this condition can manifest and treatment options.
What Is Dysthymic Disorder?
Dysthymic disorder or persistent depressive disorder is a common condition that plagues people around the world, including several adults in the US alone. What is dysthymic disorder is commonly asked as there are different definitions. As the name suggests, it is a long-term depression type that can affect the individual in similar ways as depression (symptomatically) but for a prolonged time.
As per DSM-5, dysthymic disorder or persistent depressive disorder (PDD) is a chronic depression that can last for many days within two years. There are mild symptoms that can be assisted with other symptoms.
Formerly known as dysthymia, the term persistent depressive disorder is a new term coined in the DSM-5. Let’s look at the causes, symptoms, and standard treatment options.
Causes Of Dysthymic Disorder
There are different causes of dysthymic disorder. However, these are not definite disorders that will help identify them in people showing symptoms of the condition. Nevertheless, let’s have a look at these:
Genetic predisposition. This implies that someone with this condition in their family is also more likely to experience it. This makes it easier for the health professional to diagnose dysthymic disorder.
Other causes, such as environmental triggers, can worsen the symptoms.
Trauma and chronic stress are some of the other common causes.
Symptoms Of Dysthymic Disorder
What is dysthymic disorder requires identifying the symptoms that can show up in a person with it. There are different ways we can determine if the condition that a person is experiencing is dysthymic disorder. Here are some of the common symptoms:
- Reduced ability to focus and concentrate
- Prolonged feelings of emptiness, anxiousness, or sadness
- Low energy
- Feeling hopeless
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Low self-esteem
- Changes in sleep patterns and early morning awakening are other symptoms.
- Feelings of hopelessness
Diagnosing this condition requires the symptoms to last at least two years in adults and one year in children/adolescents.
The co-existence of depressive disorder is seen in chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. It is often seen that people with a history of substance use disorder or anxiety disorder can develop.
People with dysthymic disorder can grow used to the symptoms of mild depressive disorder, which can stay masked. This leads to a delay in the diagnosis, which is critical to recovery.
The treatment options also depend on the diagnosis, as they can determine which treatment will work best for you.
Treatment Of Dysthymic Disorder
The treatment plan for dysthymic disorder usually includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological options. Here are the different options:
Pharmacological Treatment Options
These are the medicines that can work best for your symptoms. For instance, your doctor can prescribe anti-depressants to control depressive disorder symptoms.
If you feel low energy, you can also be prescribed a medicine to manage your energy levels. Your doctor can also prescribe supplements to help care for your energy levels.
- A few things that you must keep in mind are,
- Taking the prescribed medicine as per the instructions
- Completing your dose as prescribed, do not stop your medication mid-way.
Non-pharmacological Treatment Options
Non-pharmacological treatment options include those alternatives that are less likely to have side effects. Your healthcare professional can tell you more about the therapy options that will work best for you.
Symptoms play an important role in determining what treatment option works best. Interpersonal or cognitive behavioral therapy can help improve the symptoms while also helping subside their severity.
Therapy has several positive sides, as it helps counteract negative thinking. This fades as soon as the treatment begins for most people as it helps them cope with the thoughts that are plaguing them.
Considerations For People Experiencing Symptoms of Depression
Depression is a severe condition that can affect anyone from any age group. The recognition of the symptoms that people display can require the following considerations:
- If you recognize signs of depression in a person, consult a professional as soon as you can. If you cannot consult a professional, ask a friend or family to help you seek professional help.
- Be in consultation with your doctor and tell them what your goals for the treatment are. It is also helpful in tracking your progress.
- You must set priorities for your treatment and break tasks accordingly.
- Devise a plan that helps you feel better. These may be activities such as walking, jogging, indulging in a habit such as gardening, or participating in religious activities that can prove therapeutic.
- You cannot expect your mood to get better immediately. It will take sessions and proper completion of your course.
- It is better to postpone making big decisions until your significant symptoms subside. These will help control any regrets you may feel after your treatment is over and your symptoms have subsided.
- If you are someone supporting a person with dysthymic disorder, you should be careful not to expect them to get better in a short time. People improve their condition daily; even after that, medication and therapy affect people differently.
- You should accept the help that is coming your way. Do not avoid seeking help from your friends or family, as they are trying to support you in the best way they know.
These are some of the most important considerations you must keep in mind to avoid any unwanted burden on yourself.
Diagnostic criteria as per DSM-5
Different criteria help diagnose the condition. Here are the ones by DSM-5. The following diagnostic criteria must be present in the patient for at least two years:
- Overeating or poor appetite
- Hypersomnia or insomnia
- Fatigue or low energy
- Poor concentration and difficulty in making decisions
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling hopeless
Wrapping It Up!
There are several ways to describe dysthymic disorder, and this article provides two of the latest definitions. This article also explores the different considerations (expectations) from the treatment or overall experience you should have.
The treatment options are also helpful if you are researching the treatment options that can work for you. This will help you take care of your condition and ensure a good prognosis for you or someone you know who has the condition.
Want to know more about such conditions that DSM-5 has renamed? Let us know in the comments below!
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