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dysthymia

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Q: Dysthymia?
Can anyone tell me the medical definition of dysthymia? I believe it is something to do with low grade depression but need to know more about it.
Thanks.

A: Going from memory as my DSM IV is at work, the criteria for Dysthymia is:

A low or depressed mood (or irritable in children and adolescents) that persists more days than not for a minimum of 2 years in adults and 1 year in children/adolescents with at least 2 of the following symptoms present while depressed:

1) low self-esteem
2) difficulty with concentration or making decisions
3) poor appetite (over or under eating)
4) poor sleep (hypo or hypersomnia)
5) chronic complaints of tiredness/lethargy
6) hopeless/helpless feelings

It’s generally considered to be a milder form of depression, but more chronic and often conceptualized as a depressive personality. A good fictionalized representation of classic dysthymia is the donkey character Eyore (sp?) from Winnie the Pooh. Dysthymics often don’t see themselves as “depressed” as they don’t experience a pervasive sense of painful sadness but rather relate better to just never feeling “happy” (called anhedonia).
Major Depression may be superimposed on Dysthymia if and when symptoms escalate to greater severity and incorporate the more extreme symptoms associated with Major Depression.
Dysthymia can respond at times to medication, but it seems somewhat more intractable than does an actual Major Depressive episode.

Q: dysthymia….?
i have it. i’m an optimistic and positive person in general, but when it strikes it strikes hard. if u have any knowledge of this disorder, please help me out. i feel like my life is incredibly lackluster and SO unrelatable and alone.

A: Dysthymia is characterized by a long term generally down mood. From the sound of things (and I don’t know your history, so I could be wrong), you describe yourself as being an “optimistic and positive person”, which leads me to believe that you do not actually have dysthymia, but suffer from episodes of major depression. BUT, you can suffer from both at the same time. You can have Dysthymia, and suffer occasional episodes of major depression. People with dysthymia often feel that they have never been happy, and feel depressed most days for a period of at least two years. I thought I was just depressed, and from research I did on my own, that was what I determined. Then I went to the doctor and he diagnosed me with dysthymia. Many of the signs are very similar, but its the duration and the severity that determine which one you have.

Have you talked to a doctor about how you feel? That is really the only reliable way to find out if you have dysthymia or major depression, or some other cause for your feelings (thyroid problems can cause many of the same signs). Dealing with any of this alone is a tough road. I found that just going to the doctor and telling him how I felt really helped. They may want to start you on anitdepressants (or they may not, based on your situation), and therapy is highly recommended. The medications will help relieve the symptoms, but the therapy will heal the real issues behind everything. Also, your doctor and therapist will be able to give you more details and more reliable info than the internet ever can. They can help you find the cause and the “cure”, so you can recover from your depression and move onto a happier future.

Once you are feeling better, you may be more able to do other things to keep you feeling happy and healthy, like eating better, being more active, and more social. Depression can make those things very hard to do.

I wish you the best of luck! Keep your chin up!

Q: Can a child with parents who have dysthymia grow up without depression?
I know the dysthymia type of depression (chronic, mild) is especially genetic, but I was wondering if environmental factors can keep a child with parents who have dysthymia from ending up with the condition themselves?
Is there a chance of not getting it if BOTH parents have it?

A: Yes. In mental health, biology is not destiny.

Q: Can dysthymia ever be so severe as to involve psychomotor retardation, or is it major depression at that point?
The DSM-IV only says “low energy or fatigue” as a symptom of dysthymia.

Can “low energy or fatigue” be interpreted to mean psychomotor retardation, in severe cases, or does “psychomotor retardation” have to be explicitly stated as a symptom in the DSM-IV?

A: Hi Casey,

A couple of months ago, I wrote an article on this subject and I researched it pretty thoroughly, I went back to the article when I saw your question and here’s part of what I wrote:

“So what is dysthymia? It is a form of depression, although it often presents
itself with far less severe symptoms, making it easy to dismiss as a case of “the
blues”. Many people can go to work, interact with their children or pretend to be
happy. They may even fool friends, neighbors and their family members, but If they
had this form of depression (also known as Dysthymic Disorder) long enough, they
may not actually realize that something is wrong.

They may feel that this is normal life and that they simply can’t be happy. They
don’t feel terrible but they don’t feel good, either. Some people describe it as
a sense of being disconnected.

This depression is not something that has to be accepted and with proper diagnosis
and treatment can make a huge difference. In order to be treated, however, this
low level form of depression must be recognized. Signs of dysthymia include many
of the symptoms of severe depression but in a milder form. These symptoms include
feeling sad, having trouble sleeping, aching joints, appetite changes like
eating too much or too little, bouts of anxiety, never feeling truly joyful or
engaged in life. Although thoughts of death or suicide can occur most often in
severe depression, they may also be present in dysthymia and are always a warning
sign to get immediate help. Suicidal thoughts are less common in dysthymia but
is always a possibility.”

Now I have to honest with you I have never come across ‘psychomotor retardation’ anywhere in my research and to me it sounds more severe than a case of typical Dysthymia. I does not appear that one has anything to do with the other, if it does, it’s on a much more seroius level.

I am going to leave you with a blog and a website. The blog has new content daily relating to depression and the site is where you can get a free report showing you how to beat depression naturally without the use of antidepressants. I hope this helps and I hope I answered your question, John

Q: What can I do when I have symptoms of the dysthymia and/or bipolar disorder?
I’ve been having depression lately and I don’t know what to do.I found that on the internet there are types of depression and they show the symptons.When I looked at the dysthymia and bipolar disorder symptons , I had a few symptons of both.I don’t know what to do or know if it’s possible to have two types of depression.Can anyone help?

A: It is really easy to diagnose yourself with bipolar, 90% of people have the symptoms. Dysthymia is sorta like a personality trait where you are depressed for like 2 years. So since your symptoms are recent I would exclude that. As far as bipolar it is possible that you have it. HAve you had depression for 2 weeks, hypermania for 1 week. IF you did go see a shrink, you need to be on meds. If you dont than mabye you are just having a down time. Afterall everyone feels like shit sometimes, doesnt make you sick

Q: What is an effective treatment for dysthymia? What has worked for you? Can you share your experience?
I have had dysthymia for nearly my entire adult life. The low grade depression sometimes lifts (for weeks or even months). But, the gray feeling invariably comes back. I have taken Prozac before (but, it became ineffective over time). I am going to see a psychiatrist soon to get treatment again because I am getting tired of feeling lousy all of the time. I just want to be informed about what’s working for other people who are in the same boat.

A: Instead of an SSRI like Prozac, would the psychiatrist try something a bit different? Cymbalta and Effexor affect not only serotonic (which Prozac affects); they also affect Dopamine. You might get a better result.

If you have been going to the same psychiatrist for a while, you might try to find someone different who is doing well for others.

Just a thought…any chance you are bipolar? Depression and dysthymia are part of that.

My teen is bipolar, and after we found the right doc for him he made a very fast improvement! He went from being severely impaired, to nearly normal 24/7. We found him through a local psychologist who knows all the local psychiatrists and their reputations.

Good luck, friend!

Q: How do you beat dysthymia and depression?
I have been in therapy, I have tried zoloft, cymbalta, wellbutrin, paxil (not all at the same time). My mood isn’t as bad as it was, but I am not happy, just indifferent. I feel that life is passing me by, how can I beat this thing?

I sort of feel that I go through life as a zombie, I don’t experience joy or rage, my mood is just flat all the time. Unless of course I am sad, then I could cry for hours.

I am still in therapy, although I’m unsure that it is helping but currently not on any anti depressants. Am I destined to live the rest of my days like this?

A: How long have you been on the meds it takes 3 to 4 weeks for them to start to work and the therapy takes time several studies show the combination of the two will work but it is not an over night thing many people want instant cures this is not going to happen if you are not taking your meds then you are defeating yourself talk to your counselor if they do not know you are not taking antidepressents I am sure they will recomend you see your doctor and start this type of problem takes time and a team effort to beat

Q: What are the differences between dysthymia and full-blown depression?
I was told that the main difference is that dystymia allows for some times of happiness, while depression does not.

What other differences are there?

A: Dysthymia is a mood disorder characterized by mild depression and full-blown depression is an extreme depression.

Q: Has anyone actually experienced dysthymia and MDD and have zoloft work for them?
If so how much was your dosage and how long did it take for it to work for you? I understand everyone is different i’m just curious at how responsive the drug is.

A: I have had dysthymia for 20+ years. I personally haven’t used any drugs. I am able to function for the most part. I am able to get up and go to work, and get my job done with satisfactory results. But I do have a problem coming to work late, I have an erratic sleep pattern, eating inconstantly, and I’m just always feeling down. And those are my good days! My bad days, I still make it to work, but my job suffers more, and I’m always tired and sleep away my free time.

But as you said, everybody is different. And I’m sorry I can’t help you with experience from the medication, but I know that is some cases it is needed. I just wanted to let you know you are not alone.

Q: What is the difference between dysthymia and depressive personality disorder?

A: dysthymia is a long, but less severe form of depression:

http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/dysd.htm

depressive personality disorder is a personality disorder with depression:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depressive_personality_disorder

or do you mean depression:
http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/mjrdepep.htm
depression can be any length of time and can vary in severity

Q: How many people here have dysthymia?
I do. Do you believe in it? Do you jnow anyone with it? Would you associate with people that have it ?

A: Dysthymia is mild, long term depression…… it is not as severe as major depression but it can last longer… you have to have been mildly depressed for more than 2 years with no episodes of major depression for it to be dysthymia…. Sure I believe in it, no I do not know anyone with it but I do know people with Bipolar (me included), depression, BPD and other PD’s (me included), DID (me again), PTSD (me once more) and Schizophrenia (this one I do not have)……. Not trying to minimize what you are going through but on a scale of mental health severity, dysthymia is pretty mild….. why would anyone not associate with someone with dysthymia?

Q: How do you treat Dysthymia?
I am searching for a clinic that can help in treating Dysthymia. OR, recomendations on geting treatment.

A: Dysthymia (Minor Depression)

Dysthymia is a disorder with similar, but longer-lasting and milder symptoms than clinical depression. By the standard psychiatric definition, this disorder lasts for at least two years, but is less disabling than major depression; for example, victims are usually able to go on working and do not need to be hospitalized.

About three percent of the population will suffer from dysthymia at some time – a rate slightly lower than the rate of major depression. Like major depression, dysthymia occurs twice as often in women as it does in men. It is also more common among the poor and the unmarried. The symptoms of dysthymia usually appear in adolescence or young adulthood but in some cases do not emerge until middle age.
The symptoms of Dysthymia are:

* poor school/work performance
* social withdrawal
* shyness
* irritable hostility
* conflicts with family and friends
* physiological abnormalities
* sleep irregularities
* parents with major depression

At least three-quarters of people with dysthymia have some other psychiatric or medical disorder as well.

=========================================================

The best advice I can give others suffering from depression is see a doctor. They need to rule out medical problems that can cause depression. Next, get support. I utilize an online support group, but there are lots of live groups, just look in the mental health section of your phone book. Don’t be afraid to take meds. They might save your life. Don’t hide. You are not alone, not by a long shot.

If it helps anyone, here are my 10 best tips for coping with depression:

1. Find and utilize a support network
2. See a doctor
3. Takes meds if need be
4. If you are suicidal, get help. immediately
5. Try writing a journal. I don’t keep day-to-day facts. I just write when I have some very strong feelings inside.
6. Exercise. It’s hard, but if you can, take a walk, even a short one is ok, outside if possible.
7. Read as much as you can about depression and mental illness. Know you are not alone.
8. Take a deep breath – in…out….relax. You can get through this.
9. Call a friend who understands. Or, if they call you, answer the phone! Don’t hide or push people away.
10. Don’t drink! It doesn’t mix with most meds and always makes depression worse in the end ..

per http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/depression/dysthymia.asp

Q: What are some ways to beat dysthymia/depression without medication?
Or hopefully the best ways? Are there web pages that discuss this?

A: Through diet, excercise.

(divorce your spouse)

get a dog

Q: What are the main differences between Major depression and Dysthymia?
How is bipolar disorder treated psychologically (i.e. with therapy) as opposed to medical (chemotherapy)?

This is one of the topics that we have to discuss today in my psychology class….. I’m just trying to find out what other people think. Some thoughts or useful information on that?

A: The major difference between Dysthymia and Major depression is severity and duration. Dysthymia is a long lasting (i.e., 2+ years), low level depression. Major depression, on the other hand, is considerably more severe and is typically episodic in nature.

Non chemical treatment for bipolar disorder is NOT curative. Although it can help patients cope with their condition, it will NOT ameliorate manic or depressive episodes. Psychotherapy should always done in conjunction with medication.

~M~

Q: How many people have dysthymia?
Whats the percentage? u know how theres those commercials that r like “5 out of 6 people suffer from…” wats that number for dysthymia?

A: The lifetime prevalence for dysthymia is 3%, 3% of the population will ever suffer from the disorder.

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