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It's normal to feel sad, upset, or irritable from time to time. But if you feel 'down' for a long time, it's time to seek help.
What is dysthymia?
Dysthymia is a form of mild depression that lasts for at least two years. How you feel can vary over time, with some days and weeks feeling better, but with dysthymia your overall mood is low.
There is rarely a single cause for dysthymia. A a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors can lead to feeling down for a long period of time. Severe events such as loss, trauma and prolonged stress can also lead to the development of the condition. There may also be underlying biological explanations such as a lack of serotonin or noradrenaline.
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Is dysthymia the same as depression?
Symptoms of dysthymia are milder than those of major depressive disorder. Dysthymia symptoms must have been present for at least two years while symptoms of depression only need to have lasted for two weeks before a diagnosis is made.
Symptoms of dysthymia
Dysthymia is a persistent emotional state where more than half of the days are characterized by low mood. You should also have at least two other depressive symptoms, such as:
- Decreased energy or activity
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced self-confidence or feelings of inadequacy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent crying spells
- Reduced interest or enjoyment in activities that usually bring pleasure
- Feelings of hopelessness or abandonment
- A perceived inability to cope with the usual responsibilities of everyday life
- Pessimism about the future or brooding about past events
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Other conditions such as anxiety, ADHD and PTSD
If left untreated, other psychological conditions can lead to dysthymia or depression over time. It is important to get a basic assessment when seeking help so that you can also get treatment for other conditions that may be underlying dysthymia.
Effective treatments
If you suffer from dysthymia, it is possible to get help. Treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual needs. Usually treatment includes:
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be contributing to the condition. Other forms of therapy, such as interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic therapy, can also be effective.
- Medications: Medications may be prescribed to treat dysthymia, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are common types of antidepressants used.
- Combination treatment: For some people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication may be most effective.
- Lifestyle changes: A healthy lifestyle can have positive effects on mood. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet and getting enough sleep can all help to improve mood.
If you or someone you know is suffering from dysthymia, it is important to seek professional help from a doctor, psychologist or other qualified therapist for a thorough assessment and treatment. It is easy to get stuck in a pattern of negative thoughts and behaviors that make it difficult to make a change on your own. At Lavendla, we are here to help you feel better.
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We make the difficult easier
Experiencing difficult emotions is common, but sometimes we all need support. At Lavendla, we have therapists and psychologists who can help you. We make the hard things easier.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
12 frequently asked questions about dysthymia
What is dysthymia?
Dysthymia is a form of mild depression that lasts for at least two years. How you feel can vary over time, with some days and weeks feeling better, but with dysthymia your overall mood is low.
What are the most common symptoms of dysthymia?
Dysthymia symptoms include persistent sadness, lack of energy, sleep problems and a reduced appetite.
What causes dysthymia?
There is rarely a single cause for dysthymia. A a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors can lead to feeling down for a long period of time. Severe events such as loss, trauma and prolonged stress can also lead to the development of the condition. There may also be underlying biological explanations such as a lack of serotonin or noradrenaline.
How is dysthymia treated?
Treatment options often include a combination of medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychological treatment but other methods can also be helpful.
What is the difference between regular depression and dysthymia?
Dysthymia is a condition that resembles depression but does not meet all the criteria for major depression. Dysthymia also lasts for a longer period of time and is considered more mild and chronic, but it is treatable.
How long is a treatment for dysthymia?
The length of treatment can vary depending on the severity and individual needs.
Can children have dysthymia?
Children, like adults, can suffer from low mood and even depression. It is important to seek help quickly if you feel that your child has symptoms of depression.
Can exercise help?
Yes, regular physical activity has been shown to improve mood and mental health but should not replace professional care and medication.
What are the risk factors for dysthymia?
Stress, trauma, and personal adversity are common risk factors but there are other causes such as underlying neuropsychiatric problems, genetic factors or biological causes.
Is depression more common in men or women?
Depression in general is more common in women, but men are less likely to seek help.
How does dysthymia affect relationships?
Depression can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and can lead to social isolation.
Where can I get help?
If you experience symptoms of dysthymia, it is important to seek professional help. Our psychologists and therapists are available for online sessions and can help you make the difficult easier.
What help is available for dysthymia?
Seeking help is a big step towards better health. Here is an overview of the steps usually involved in therapy.
Step 1: An initial assessment session
The first meeting with your psychologist or therapist is usually a diagnostic assessment to review your mental and physical health. You may be asked questions about your life situation, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
Step 2: Goal setting
You and your therapist set specific goals for therapy based on your symptoms and circumstances. This is based on discussion about which areas of your life are most affected by your depression and how you would like to change them.
Step 4: Treatment
The treatment phase may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other treatment methods, as well as medication if necessary. The therapy may include exercises and homework assignments aimed at giving you tools to change the way you feel.
Step 5: Monitoring and evaluation
Treatment is monitored regularly to see how well the therapy is working. If necessary, the treatment plan can be adjusted or renewed.
Step 6: Ending and looking ahead
As the therapy comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the progress made. You will also receive a plan on how to use the tools and strategies you have learned in the future.
If you or someone close to you is seeking professional help for depression, don’t hesitate to book a session with one of our qualified psychologists or therapists. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 988 for the National Suicide Hotline, 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
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