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Dysthymic Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Dysthymic Disorder, or as it is called a small depression, is a prolonged form of depressive disorder that is characterized by nagging sense of bleak.
In the state of dysthymia man is gloomy, always or almost always. It can not even remember when I was a happy and cheerful. Often in a state of Dysthymic Disorder people say about themselves that they are sad "since birth". You lack a sense of humor, it is difficult to smile even in jest. Anxiety and guilt prevails in mind. A person with dysthymia either sleeps 9 hours and more per day, or suffer from insomnia. Any circumstances and life events are perceived only as a failure. You blame yourself and others. You express only complaint. You express only complaint. Thoughts of suicide may come into your mind, although it is not concrete plans to kill yourself, as in major depression. Yet you give all your own force to work, you are reliable and dedicated worker. This condition is permanent. Only sometimes you feel better, but not for long.
General characteristics of dysthymia
Doctors diagnose Dysthymia, as a rule, when the depression lasts almost all day, every day, more than two years, with no more than two-month break, as well as when the symptoms of disorder seriously disturb the patient and do not allow him to lead a normal life.
For the diagnosis of dysthymia also required not less than two symptoms from among the following:
- Inability to concentrate.
- Reduced or enhanced appetite.
- Insomnia or drowsiness.
- Fatigue.
- The feeling of guilt.
- The feeling of hopelessness.
- Thoughts about the imminent death and suicide.
- Failure to act and make decisions.
- Low self-esteem.
These symptoms complicate the patient's life. But the doctors exclude dysthymia, if the patient had had severe or slight attacks of mania, if symptoms arise on a background of another mental illness or condition caused by the consumption of psychoactive substances, receiving prescribed medication, or some somatic disease.
Dysthymic Disorder lasts for a long time, many years. Sometimes the disease continues throughout life. Dysthymia can cause serious damage to human life.
People with dysthymia, look weakened, deprived of vital energy. They seem to be pessimistic, constantly irritated and grouchy. People with Dysthymic Disorder often look to their difficulties as a regular fact of life and not looking for a way out.
Treatment of Dysthymic Disorder
Guaranteed treatment of dysthymia does not exist. However, treatment can significantly mitigate and reduce its symptoms and prevent progression of the disease. Previously, dysthymia was treated with psychotherapy, often with psychoanalysis. Other methods of verbal psychotherapy is cognitive, behavioral and interpersonal psychotherapy.
Recovery from dysthymia may not be for everyone. Although drug therapy does not eliminate the depression completely, yet it is able to improve mood, and psychotherapy helps to learn the methods by which you will be able to overcome the various manifestations of the disease.