man in therapy dealing with dysthymia

Dysthymia: Signs, Symptoms, & Getting Treatment

Dysthymia, or dysthymic disorder, is a fairly common but frequently misunderstood mental health diagnosis. Approximately 2.5% of Americans will experience dysthymia at some point in their lives1, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (though other studies indicate the actual rate can even be as high as 7%). What is dysthymia, how do you recognize the common signs, and how can you get support if you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from dysthymia?

What Is Dysthymia?

Dysthymia, also called Persistent Depressive Disorder, is a long-lasting, chronic period of depression. While often not as severe as acute depressive disorders, dysthymia is characterized by negative feelings that last for an extended period and can be incredibly debilitating for those experiencing it. Dysthymia is defined as lasting for a period of over two years for adults and at least one year for children, but it can last much longer without treatment.

Someone who has Persistent Depressive Disorder may feel: 1

  • Low, sad, melancholy, hopeless
  • Poor feelings of self-worth
  • Unmotivated, unable to find the energy to do daily tasks or pursue goals
  • Withdrawn and socially isolated
  • Lacking energy
  • Insomnia, sleeping too much or not enough
  • Inability to focus
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Indecisiveness

Dysthymia can make even normal activities seem difficult or pointless. Relationships are often abandoned or neglected, work duties suffer, and hobbies are forgotten. Because of the chronic nature of dysthymia, the damage of the disorder can take months or even years to materialize. Often the damage done to the individual’s quality of life can make a recovery seem even more difficult, and the cycle continues.

A dysthymic person will often have fluctuating moods and brief interludes of normalcy. There is no known cause of dysthymia, though some correlations related to the disorder have been identified, including genetics, stress, and social isolation. Women are more likely to experience dysthymia than men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Approximately 49.7% of people diagnosed with dysthymia report “serious impairment” in their daily functioning due to the disorder.

People rarely experience Persistent Depressive Disorder in isolation. It is often diagnosed with major depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse. This can add further complications to identifying dysthymia and receiving treatment. Often, dysthymia can take secondary priority to more urgent or acute substance abuse or mental health issues.

The Unique Challenge of Persistent Depressive Disorder

Dysthymia is often challenging to identify, diagnose, and treat because of how long it can last for many people. Those with dysthymia may just assume feeling sad or low for long periods is typical for all people and that everyone else is better at hiding the depressive symptoms. Or that there is no underlying issue and their problem stems from a feeling of inadequacy or that there is “something wrong” with them on a fundamental level.

Many people with dysthymia have brief interludes of “feeling okay,” meaning the individual can stop pursuing treatment or support, but then the depressive symptoms return. This can create a frustrating and hopeless cycle for the person trying to navigate this confusing disorder and further leads to an internalization of the disorder as a personal or moral failing.

Treatment for Dysthymia

There are several promising treatments for a dysthymic disorder2 that individuals can pursue. As with all mental health and substance abuse diagnoses, recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey. An individual may need to try several treatment options before identifying the best one.

Psychotherapy

Therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can be incredibly effective for someone with dysthymia. Discussing the issues, learning coping strategies, and receiving therapeutic support can be helpful for many. Therapists are trained to help people work through complicated and complex mental health issues and can be a great resource during recovery. Psychotherapy can include discussing feelings and processing events, goal-setting, crisis management, and more.

Psychiatry and Medication

There are medications out there specifically created to address the chemical imbalances connected to mood disorders like dysthymia. As previously mentioned, not all medications will work with all people. Dosages, types of medication, administration routes, and more will need to be adjusted under the supervision of a doctor.

Build Relationships with Supportive People

Because dysthymia tends to be a lonely and isolating disorder for many, those who are looking to recover can often feel alone. Building relationships and repairing old bonds can be a significant step toward recovery. Support groups, gym activities, recreational classes, community functions, and clubs or events around enjoyable hobbies can be great ways to meet people and build a social network.

Enjoyable Activities

Starting small and engaging in enjoyable, physical, recreational activities is essential to the mental health recovery journey. It can be as simple as walking around a park, picking up a new book, trying out a new creative hobby, or attempting new and interesting recipes. Lifestyle changes are an important and frequently overlooked part of managing mood disorders.

A Mixed Approach

Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle and social changes can often be a helpful combination for those with Persistent Depressive Disorder. Other treatments for co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders, like drug and alcohol addiction treatment, can also be crucial. A holistic, whole-person approach to managing the symptoms of dysthymia is most effective and should be facilitated and overseen by mental health professionals.

How To Get Support for Dysthymia

If you suspect that you or someone you love has dysthymia, reach out for support today. Treatment can take weeks or even months before any progress can be observed, which is why it is crucial to work with professionals who have experience navigating Persistent Depressive Disorder.

The National Institute for Mental Health has resources for finding local support in and around the United States. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or a mental health crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK or call 911 if you are concerned that it could be an emergency.

1Source: National Institute of Mental Health, Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymic Disorder)

References
1.Depression, available here.
2.Dysthymia and Apathy: Diagnosis and Treatment, available here.