Dysthymia
(Dysthymic Disorder; Persistent Depressive Disorder)
How to Say It: Dis-thigh-mee-uh
Definition
Dysthymia is long term, mild-to-moderate depression. It lasts for at least two years in adults. In children and teens, it lasts for one or more years.
Causes TOP
The cause of dysthymia is not known. A brain chemical called serotonin may play a role.
Brainstem—Location of Serotonin ProductionCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Risk Factors TOP
Dysthymia is more common in women than in men. Other things that raise the risk are:
- Loss and grief
- Child abuse
- Partner abuse
- Stress, trauma, and life changes
- Family history of depression or dysthymia
- History of substance abuse
- Long term illness
- Brain injury
Symptoms TOP
Symptoms of dysthymia and depression overlap. They may be:
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Lack of hunger or overeating
- Problems focusing
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Feeling tired
- Low self-esteem
- Problems at work or school
Bouts of major depression may also occur.
Diagnosis TOP
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical and mental health exam will be given.
The doctor may refer you to a specialist. Tests may be done to look for causes like thyroid problems or anemia. Dysthymia is diagnosed after ruling out other causes.
Treatment TOP
The goal is to ease symptoms and improve function. Severe symptoms may need hospital care. Care is urgent if someone might hurt themselves or others.
A number of treatments may be used. Options may be:
- Antidepressants
- Counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy —to help with coping
- Family therapy
-
Lifestyle changes, such as:
- A healthful diet
- Daily physical activity —to ease symptoms and stress
- Not using drugs and alcohol
- Good sleep
- Fun things to do
Prevention TOP
There are no current guidelines to prevent dysthymia. However, early care may help those at risk.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov
National Mental Health Association
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Mental Health Association
https://cmha.ca
Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org
REFERENCES:
Depression. Mental Health America website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 12, 2021.
Depressive disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed March 12, 2021.
Major depressive disorder (MDD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/major-depressive-disorder-mdd. Accessed March 12, 2021.
Persistent depressive disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/persistent-depressive-disorder. Accessed March 12, 2021.
Persistent depressive disorder. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/dysthymic-disorder. Accessed March 12, 2021.
Schramm E, Klein DN, et al, Domschke K. Review of dysthymia and persistent depressive disorder: history, correlates, and clinical implications. Lancet Psychiatry. 2020;7(9):801-812.
Last reviewed January 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated: 03/12/2021