What is dysthymia and how is it different from depression?

What is dysthymia

It is a chronic disorder in which mood reducedF34. Dysthymia / ICD-10 Version: 2016 for at least a few years. And although dysthymia is similar to depression, its manifestations are not so severe that it can be diagnosed as a depressive episode or recurrent depression.

In the main handbook of American psychiatrists, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the emphasis is on the duration of the condition. In DSM-5, dysthymia It hasDysthymic disorder / APA Dictionary of Psychology a separate name - persistent, or permanent, depressive disorder.

How is dysthymia different from depression?

This is a rather slippery question, especially considering that the true depression is also different - both heavy and light.

Both violations haveDysthymia / Harvard Health Publishing many similar symptoms: depressed mood, sleep problems, loss of energy, poor concentration. Dysthymia and depression are so similar that many psychiatrists

believeGordon Parker, MD, PhD, DSc, FRANZCP, Gin S. Malhi, MB ChB, BSc (Hons), FRCPsych, FRANZCP, MD. Persistent Depression: Should Such a DSM-5 Diagnostic Category Persist? / The Canadian Journal of Psychiatrythat the disorders would be worth uniting.

But there are differences between depression and dysthymia. Experts at Harvard Medical School listDysthymia / Harvard Health Publishing a few of the most obvious.

1. With dysthymia, a person is able to enjoy life. Unlike a victim of depression, he can enjoy communicating with loved ones, get involved in hobbies.
2. Dysthymia has no pronounced psychomotor signs. For example, excessive excitement or obvious lethargy. If behavior changes quite dramatically during depression, then in the case of dysthymia, a person may appear calm, diligently go to work and go about daily activities.
3. Dysthymia is sometimes felt as part of the personality. Depressed people are able to realize that something is wrong with them. With dysthymia, a person is so getting used toWhat Is Depression? / American Psychiatric Association to a dreary state that begins to consider depression as part of his character.

How to recognize dysthymia and when to see a doctor

To draw a clearer line between disorders, psychiatrists offerWhat Is Depression? / American Psychiatric Association focus primarily on mood and self-awareness, and not on specific physical symptoms. Therefore, you should take a look at yourself.

Dysthymia can be assumedDSM-IV to DSM-5 Dysthymic Disorder Comparison / Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationwhen there are at least two of the following:

• weight changes;
• sleep problems;
• lack of energy;
• low self-esteem;
• difficulty concentrating and making decisions;
• feeling of hopelessness.

If this condition persists for more than two years (in a child - more than a year), this is a serious reason to consult a doctor: a therapist or psychotherapist.

Medic will holdPersistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) / Mayo Clinic examination, ask about well-being, lifestyle, chronic diseases. Perhaps he will offer to take tests. This is necessary to exclude other problems that may manifest themselves as symptoms of a depressive disorder. For example, lack of energy and weight changes are often associated with hypothyroidism - insufficient production of thyroid hormones. In this case, it is necessary to correct this violation so that the symptoms go away by themselves.

The diagnosis of "persistent depressive disorder" is made if chronically depressed mood is not explained by physiological causes.

How is dysthymia treated?

With the help of psychotherapy and antidepressants. The latter have a lot of side effects, so doctors start treating children and adolescents, as well as people whose dysthymia is not too pronounced, without using these drugs.

Antidepressants prescribed when dysthymia is so severe that it can develop into a real "major" depression, or when signs of the disorder are seriously poisoning a person's life.

It is important to remember that antidepressants are not a magic pill. There are many types of them, and it is not always possible to choose a really effective medicine the first time. And in order for the drugs to begin to work, you need to take them for at least a few weeks. In addition, you cannot simply stop taking antidepressants: when treatment is stopped abruptly or a few doses are missed, symptoms usually return with renewed vigor.

How to relieve the condition at home

Experts of the American research center Mayo Clinic recommendPersistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) / Mayo Clinic complement the treatment prescribed by the doctor with self-care.

1. Remember your goal. One day you will again become a happy and active person. Necessarily.
2. Make your life more manageable. Plan your day, make to-do lists, use stickers as reminders, try to stick to a pre-made schedule. This will give you back a sense of control over what is happening.
3. Keep a diary. In it, you can express your emotions and thus reduce stress levels.
4. Read books on psychology. They will help you understand yourself and what is happening. If you don't know where to start, ask your doctor for advice.
5. Don't lock yourself in. It is important to continue to meet with loved ones and do work in order to feel needed.
6. Learn to control stress. For example, master the technique of deep breathing or meditation and use them in difficult moments.
7. Do not make any decisions about your future during periods of anguish. This approach will save you from the temptation to quit therapy if it suddenly seems that it does not work.

How to avoid dysthymia

Unfortunately, reliable methods of prevention do not exist: scientists have not yet fully understood the nature of dysthymia. The disorder may develop due to genetics, innate personality traits, or due to traumatic events - these factors are not affected.

However, there are still ways to reduce the risk of developing dysthymia.

1. Remind yourself that you are worthy of love and happiness.
2. Don't be afraid to reach out for support during difficult times. Family members and friends can help you.
3. Learn to control stress. Meditation or other useful here methods.
4. Contact a psychotherapist at the first hint of a change in your personality. Do not try to overcome lingering sadness and apathy by force of will.

Ekaterina Komissarova