Everything You Need to Know About Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a mild form of depression that can impact your daily life. It often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are not as severe as those of major depression. However, dysthymia can still interfere with your ability to work, socialise, and enjoy life.

If you think you might be suffering from dysthymia, it's important to get help. There are many treatments available that can help you manage your symptoms and feel better. In this article, we'll discuss what dysthymia is, its symptoms, the treatments available and how it differs from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). 

Also read: How Do I Talk To Someone About My Depression Or Anxiety?

What Is Dysthymia?

Dysthymia is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can interfere with your ability to work, study, eat, and sleep. It can last for years.

The symptoms of dysthymia are similar to those of major depression, but they're not as severe. People with dysthymia often feel like they're living in a black cloud, and they may have difficulty remembering things and making decisions.

If you think you may have dysthymia, it's important to see a therapist or a psychiatrist, so you can get the right treatment.

Also read: How Technology is Changing Mental Health: The Latest Treatments for Depression, 2022 

Symptoms of Dysthymia

Since dysthymia is not as severe as major depression, you may not even realise you have it. You may have heard it called “chronic depression” or “low-grade depression”.

The symptoms of dysthymia include the following: 

• Low energy

• Poor appetite

• Problems concentrating

• Low self-esteem 

• Feelings of hopelessness

You may also experience periods of major depression along with the dysthymia symptoms. If you think you may have dysthymia, it is important to get help. There are treatments available that can help improve your mood and make you feel more like yourself again.

But what causes dysthymia? Well, the cause is unknown, but psychiatrists think it may be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It's also possible that dysthymia is caused by imbalances in brain chemistry.

Diagnosis of Dysthymia

Dysthymia is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, based on a thorough evaluation of the individual's symptoms and medical history. The mental health professional will typically ask the individual a series of questions about their mood, energy levels, and other symptoms they have been experiencing. They may also ask about any family history of mental health conditions and any past treatment the individual has received.

In addition to a clinical evaluation, the mental health professional may also use a structured assessment tool, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to help diagnose dysthymia. To be diagnosed with dysthymia, an individual must have experienced a low mood for at least two years, as well as other symptoms of depression, such as difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and low energy.

It's important to note that a diagnosis of dysthymia should be made by a mental health professional with the appropriate training and expertise.

Treatment for Dysthymia

Dysthymia is typically treated with a combination of therapies and medications. The specific treatment approach will depend on the individual's needs and preferences, as well as the severity of their symptoms.

One common treatment for dysthymia is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Psychotherapy can help individuals with dysthymia learn coping strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is often used to treat dysthymia. It aims to help individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to their low mood.

Medications can also be effective in treating dysthymia. Antidepressant medications, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly used to treat dysthymia. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, that are involved in mood regulation.

Also read: Depression Medication: How it Works and the Common Side Effects

In addition to therapy and medication, lifestyle changes can also be helpful in managing dysthymia. For example, getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all help improve mood and overall well-being. It can also be helpful to connect with a support system, such as friends, family, or a support group, to provide emotional support and encouragement.

It's important to work with a mental health professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific needs and goals. With proper treatment and support, it is possible to manage dysthymia and improve your quality of life.

How do dysthymia and major depression disorder differ?

It's important to note that both dysthymia and depression are serious mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a type of depression that is characterized by a long-term, chronic low mood that lasts for at least two years. People with dysthymia may feel down, sad, or hopeless for most of the time, and they may also experience other symptoms of depression, such as difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and low energy.

Depression, on the other hand, is a more severe form of depression that can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). People with depression may experience more severe and intense symptoms of depression, such as deep feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, and significant changes in appetite, sleep, and energy levels.

Also read: I Am Suffering From Depression And Anxiety. What Should I Do?

How to know when dysthymia becomes major depressive disorder ?

So how do you know if dysthymia is becoming major depressive disorder? Unfortunately, there isn't a definitive answer, because the line between the two can be blurry—the symptoms overlap quite a bit. 

But here are a few signs to look out for:

• The symptoms are impacting your ability to function at work or at home

• You're not enjoying the things you used to enjoy

• You feel like life isn't worth living

• You've had thoughts of suicide or self-harm

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to reach out for help. Talk to your psychiatrist or therapist, because there is no shame in getting help. You deserve to feel better.

If you think you might have dysthymia, it's important to see a psychiatrist for a diagnosis. There are many treatments available for dysthymia, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. With the right treatment, you can manage your dysthymia and live a happy, healthy life.