Dysthymia
Is dysthymia hereditary? Learn about the causes, symptoms, and most common treatments for persistent depressive disorder.
Symptoms and Causes
Dysthymia is a persistent depressive disorder that remains chronic over time. One of its main characteristics is that patients do not exhibit debilitating depressive symptoms, making it mild, but it lasts for an extended period.
Patients with dysthymic disorder experience feelings of sadness, apathy, or emptiness for years, making it difficult for them to feel joy during happy moments. Additionally, they often have an altered perception of both themselves and their surroundings. When undiagnosed, dysthymia may be mistaken for melancholy or dissatisfaction.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dysthymic disorder appear irregularly over the years, as they may disappear temporarily or worsen at certain times. The most common symptoms include:
- Sadness and a feeling of emptiness
- Discouragement
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of energy
- Fatigue
- Hopelessness
- Changes in appetite that affect weight
- Sleep pattern disturbances
- Low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Impatience and irritability
Causes
The exact cause of persistent depressive disorder is unknown, but it is believed to result from multiple factors (multifactorial cause):
- Biological differences: People with persistent depressive disorder may have physical changes in their brains. It is unclear how these changes affect the disorder, but over time, they may help determine its causes.
- Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain. Research suggests that changes in neurotransmitters may play a crucial role in depression and its treatment.
- Hereditary traits: Persistent depressive disorder appears to be more common in individuals whose blood relatives also have this condition. Researchers are working to identify the genes that may contribute to depression.
- Life events: Similar to major depression, traumatic events, high stress levels, or unresolved emotional issues may trigger persistent depressive disorder in some people.
Risk Factors
The likelihood of developing dysthymia increases in the following cases:
- Being female
- Having a family history of depressive disorders
- Suffering from a chronic illness
- Experiencing a traumatic event
Complications
Patients with dysthymia often experience episodes of major depression at some point in their lives. Additionally, they may develop substance abuse problems, personality disorders, difficulties in social relationships, or suicidal thoughts.
Prevention
There is no guaranteed way to prevent dysthymia. This disorder often develops in childhood or adolescence, so identifying and helping children who may suffer from depression is crucial. Similarly, maintaining a physically and mentally balanced and healthy lifestyle is the best preventive measure for any mental health issue.
Which doctor treats dysthymia?
Dysthymic disorder is diagnosed and treated by Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists.
Diagnosis
Dysthymia is diagnosed through a psychological evaluation in which the patient’s condition is assessed using a questionnaire established by the DSM-5. This evaluation determines the severity of the depressive disorder and the presence of other mental illnesses.
Additionally, a physical examination and blood tests are often performed to rule out other medical conditions.
Treatment
Dysthymia treatment may consist solely of psychological therapy or include medication. The most effective approaches are:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Aims to modify behavioral patterns and help patients cope with stressful or emotionally disruptive situations.
- Hypnosis: Helps understand the root cause of depression to treat it effectively.
- Psychotherapy: Involves conversations with the patient to express their feelings and concerns while the specialist guides them toward finding answers.
- Medication: Antidepressants work for some patients who are unable to overcome persistent sadness on their own.
