Dysthymia

Dysthymia and Depression: Would You Know It If You Saw It? He sees nothing but darkness, hopelessness, and despair. He is searching for the light at the end of the tunnel, but with no hope. Feeling worried and anxious, he struggles to fake that well-known smile. He is confused, struggling to understand his own feelings and emotions. He has a good life, has many good friends, and is a top student, with a happy family. He just cannot seem to put the pieces of the puzzle together and there are no apparent reasons for him to be so unhappy. So why is he, of all people, depressed? Depression is a mental illness caused by a chemical reaction in the brain. It is more than just having a bad day every now and again. Depression is reoccurring negative symptoms that happen more days than…

Although dysthymia isn’t a very well know mental illness it is just as important as the other more common ones. With only 35 million people suffering from dysthymia compared to depressions 350 million victims, the majority of people don’t take much notice to dysthymia or the problems that it can cause. And the people that do happen to know about it usually can’t distinguish it from depression or they haven’t taken the time to really learn about it. Dysthymia (also known as chronic depression)…

Dysthymia is another term for depression that is long lasting or chronic. This is not the same as major depressive disorder, in that people that have it can still function, but never find any inner peace or happiness. No one really can understand what causes dysthymia for sure. It could sometimes be related to changes that are hard to deal with in life, or other stress factors. Other times it can be from lack of serotonin getting into the brain. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that…

“Dysthymia is an under-diagnosed mood spectrum disorder that is almost as common as major depression and, if left untreated, has a chronic course which can impact negatively on a patient’s quality of life” (Moch, 2011). Dysthymic disorder is a milder, more chronic form of depression that usually has an early onset, such as in childhood or adolescence, and last at least two years in length for adults and one year in length for children (Knippa, 2011). There are two forms of this disorder.…

is also the most severe. While Dysthymic Disorder (also referred to as Dysthymia) and Bipolar Disorder are lesser diagnoses. Due to the way someone allows their depression symptoms manifest themselves, will determine the form of depression they will develop. Major Depressive Disorder is the most severe case of depression. MDD is a mood disorder that allows one to lack interest in activities normally enjoyed (Schimelpfening). It affects ones weight, sleep, fatigue, and concentration abilities.…

may have dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder. Dysthymia is a type of depression. Harvard Medical School Publications describes dysthymia as being less severe than major depression, but usually lasts a lot longer. Patients with this type of depression report having it for as long as they can remember. Others feel that they go in and out of depression most of their lives. Some symptoms come and go, while others stay constant. According to the University of Washington,…

Task Force, 2002). In addition to depression’s difficult diagnosis, the characterization of depression once it is recognized also remains to be a challenge. The subjective tests and methods used in screening for depression often creates a difficulty in discerning whether or not an individual is afflicted with a serious case of clinical depression or its milder form, dysthymia. By definition, dysthymia is a chronic low-grade mood/mental disorder, a milder form of depression. Because there is no…

loved one or abandonment by a family member) can bring on depression that lasts long after the traumatic event has passed. Life changes can also cause depression, even if there does not seem to be a specific reason for it. Things like having a new baby, starting a new job, moving to a new city or state, or even getting married can all trigger depression in people who are already prone to the condition. Depression and Natural Pessimism If your outlook is consistently negative, it is possible…

previously called “melancholia” but is now known of as nine different forms of depression. Most people would only think that depression is just depression and that’s the final diagnostic but thats the broad term. Depression can be specified into nine different categories such as major depression, dysthymia, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, atypical depression, psychotic depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), premenstrual dysphoric disorder and situational disorder.…

The word dysthymia comes from the Greek roots dys, meaning "ill" or "bad," and thymia, meaning "mind" or "emotions." The terms dysthymia and dysthymic disorder refer to a mild, chronic state of depression. Some symptoms for dysthymia would be poor appetite or eating too much, difficulties with sleeping, low self esteem, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness. Treatments for depression are usually a combination of psychotherapy and medications. Generally, a…