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What is Dysthymia?
Dysthymia (the Greek roots of the word mean “bad state of
mind” or “ill humor”) 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.
How Common Is It?
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 usually appear in adolescence or
young adulthood but in some cases do not emerge until middle
age.
Warning Signs of
Dysthymia:
- 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.
Current Treatments for Dysthymia
Therapy:
- Psychotherapy or cognitive therapy (also known as “talk
therapy”) is used to alter people ’s self-defeating
thoughts.
- Behavioral therapy may help people learn how to act in a more
“positive approach” to life and to communicate better
with friends, family, and co-workers.
Medications:
- Tricyclic antidepressants, the standard treatment for major
depression, may be useful for dysthymia
In many cases, the symptoms are hard to recognize and classify,
and the response to treatment is unpredictable. Most people with
dysthymia see only their family doctor, who may misdiagnose them,
especially if the main complaints are physical. Many people do not
think of themselves as depressed, and are relieved to be told they
have a treatable illness. Unfortunately, mental health
professionals are usually consulted only when major depression
develops, although dysthymia alone may lead to alcoholism or
suicide. Even when it is recognized, dysthymia is difficult to
treat. The longer a depression lasts the slower the recovery.
For More Information:
Contact your local Mental Health Association, community mental
health center, or:
National Mental
Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone 703/684-7722
Fax 703/684-5968
Mental Health Resource Center 800/969-NMHA
TTY Line 800/433-5959
National Foundation for Depressive Illness (NFDI)
PO Box 2257
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (800) 248-4344
Depression Awareness, Recognition, and Treatment (DART)
National Institute of Mental Health
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10-85
Rockville, MD 20857-8030
Phone: (800) 421-4211
American Psychiatric Association
1400 K Street, NW
Suite 501
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 682-6000
Source: The Harvard Mental Health Letter, May 1991 issue
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