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Dysthymic Disorder is similar to \’normal\’ depression. The main difference is that it\’s not as severe. One big difference is that this condition lasts over two years before it\’s diagnosed. Low energy levels and changes in sleeping habits are also symptoms. Another is a victim\’s general feelings of low self-worth.

Dysthymic Disorder is also associated with the following symptoms:

1) Ability to concentrate is altered – Persons find it hard to focus on things for extended periods and to make decisions that involve any judgment. Short-term memory loss is also experienced.

2) Sweeping emotional changes – Gloom and doom dominates the dysthymic person\’s character. Activities once enjoyed now become joyless drudgery. Feelings of helplessness are common, along with changes in temper: Many experience short tempers and become irritable.

3) Turn into a hermit of sorts – Become anti-social, avoiding people that they used to talk with frequently. They may stay indoors and overeat or may not eat enough. Besides losing their sex drive, many people slowly stop taking care of their personal hygiene.

4) Changes in health – People with dysthymia will sleep more than other people, yet they will be continually exhausted. A big part of this is due, of course, to the fact that they neither eat healthy nor do they exercise. Some people can\’t fall asleep until the wee hours of the morning, only to awaken too early. Falling asleep easily, some will stay asleep until morning but will awaken to a feeling of lethargy. Many complain of aches and pains.

What Is the Remedy for Dysthymic Disorder?

Standard depression psychiatric treatments are also effective for Dysthymia. Since they are both nearly the same disease, the same treatment is used. Prescription anti-depressant medication with psychiatric treatment seems to work the best for both chronic depression and dysthymic disorder.

The most promising psychiatric therapy is CBT, or \”Cognitive Behavior Therapy.\” This promises to help with the down-in-the-dumps attitude and severe self-criticism that many with this disease suffer from. CBT is effective in helping the patient determine which of life\’s problems are important and which ones are insignificant. And when setbacks do occur, the dysthymic person can learn to deal with them.

And finally, problem-solving therapy is often needed to change the areas of a patient\’s life that are creating stress and making the depression worse. The behavioral therapy is designed to help the person develop more effective coping abilities – while interpersonal therapy helps them to resolve interpersonal relationship problems.

Do you or someone you know have dysthymic disorder? Many people do, but there are also other forms of depression that many people have. Find out more at http://dealwithdepression.org/

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