Dysthymic Disorder
Dysthymic Disorder
Dysthymic Disorder
Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD) or dysthymic disorder, is a mood disorder characterized by the same mental and physical symptoms as depression but they last longer. Dysthymia is chronic but less severe than major depressive disorder.
Prevalence
Dysthymia can occur in childhood and adulthood, and the average age onset of this condition is 31. In the US, the lifetime rate of dysthymia is 1.5 to 15%, depending on the study. Dysthymia is slightly more common in women than in men.
Dysthymia often coexists with other conditions such as anxiety disorder (up to half), personality disorders (up to 40%), and alcohol and substance abuse (up to half).
Symptoms of Dysthymic Disorder:
The symptoms of dysthymia are not constant and can disappear for a few weeks at a time but never for more than two months. About 95% of people with PDD will also have an episode of major depression with dysthymia — called double depression.
Diagnosing Dysthymia:
A doctor will perform a physical exam and possibly order bloodwork to rule out any underlying illness or disorder first, such as adrenal issues, before referring the person to a mental health specialist.
A psychological assessment looking at current and past thinking patterns and the associated behavior will help narrow down the diagnosis to the particular type of mood disorder experienced. An fMRI can indicate areas of the brain that display signs of PDD.
As dysthymia is a chronic disorder, people with this condition may believe it is part of their personality, so they can experience symptoms for several years before consulting a doctor and receiving a diagnosis.
The older one is when symptoms appear, the more likely it is that the PDD is caused by a medical condition or severe stress. The younger one is, the more likely it can be to find co-existing disorders present. PDD might show up more as irritability than depression in younger children.
Causes of Dysthymic Disorder:
The exact cause of dysthymia is unknown, but the following factors have been implicated:
Medications for Dysthymic Disorder can include:
Complications of dysthymia include self-harm, substance abuse, relational difficulties, work-related issues, and double depression — when a person with this condition develops a coexistent major depressive disorder.
Treatment of Dysthymic Disorder:
Treatment for dysthymia depends on the severity of the disorder and if any coexistent issues are present. Getting the right treatment can help prevent double depression, so it’s crucial to see a mental health professional as soon as early symptoms are noticed.
The main treatment options for dysthymia are a combination of medication and talk therapy.
Also helpful in treating or preventing the severity of symptoms are:
Symptoms of Dysthymic Disorder:
The symptoms of dysthymia are not constant and can disappear for a few weeks at a time but never for more than two months. About 95% of people with PDD will also have an episode of major depression with dysthymia — called double depression.
Diagnosing Dysthymic Disorder:
A doctor will perform a physical exam and possibly order bloodwork to rule out any underlying illness or disorder first, such as adrenal issues, before referring the person to a mental health specialist.
A psychological assessment looking at current and past thinking patterns and the associated behavior will help narrow down the diagnosis to the particular type of mood disorder experienced. An fMRI can indicate areas of the brain that display signs of PDD.
As dysthymia is a chronic disorder, people with this condition may believe it is part of their personality, so they can experience symptoms for several years before consulting a doctor and receiving a diagnosis.
The older one is when symptoms appear, the more likely it is that the PDD is caused by a medical condition or severe stress. The younger one is, the more likely it can be to find co-existing disorders present. PDD might show up more as irritability than depression in younger children.
Causes of Dysthymic Disorder:
The exact cause of dysthymia is unknown, but the following factors have been implicated:
Dysthymic Disorder complications:
Complications of dysthymia include self-harm, substance abuse, relational difficulties, work-related issues, and double depression — when a person with this condition develops a coexistent major depressive disorder.
Treatment of Dysthymic Disorder:
Treatment for dysthymia depends on the severity of the disorder and if any coexistent issues are present. Getting the right treatment can help prevent double depression, so it’s crucial to see a mental health professional as soon as early symptoms are noticed.
The main treatment options for dysthymia are a combination of medication and talk therapy.
Also helpful in treating or preventing the severity of symptoms are: