Also known as persistent depressive disorder, dysthymia is a form of depression that causes mild symptoms. However, these symptoms can persist for an extended period of time, which can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. The right treatment can have a major impact on mood and help lessen the symptoms of dysthymia.
While symptoms of persistent depressive disorder aren’t as severe as major depression, they often last longer. These symptoms can include:
A diagnosis of dysthymia requires certain criteria, such as the presence of at least two of the above symptoms and symptoms that last one to two years (depending on the person’s age).
The duration of symptoms is a primary difference between dysthymia and major depression. While dysthymia lasts for years, people with major depression may experience gaps in depressive episodes. While symptoms are somewhat similar, they may have a bigger effect on people with major depression. For example, severe symptoms can make it challenging to carry out daily tasks and responsibilities.
Doctors often recommend therapy as a first treatment for dysthymia, which entails speaking with a mental health professional on a regular basis. However, many people also require medication to properly manage the symptoms of the disorder. This usually involves being prescribed antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
People respond differently to antidepressants, which means your doctor may need to explore different medications until you find a suitable treatment. Also, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage to ensure positive effects without the risk of major side effects.