Dysthymic Disorder

Dysthymia is a chronice depression where a person's moods are regularly low. The  symptoms of Dysthymia are not as severe as major depression.

The cause of dysthymia is unknown. It usually runs in families and is thought to be genetic. Dysth occurs more often in women than in men.

Many people with dysthymia have a history of an extended  medical problem or another mental health disorder, such as anxiety or substance abuse some  people with dysthymia will also have an episode of major depression at some point in their lives.

The main symptom of dysthymia is a low, or sad mood on most days. In children and adolescents, the mood can be irritable instead of depressed.

 Other  symptoms can be present almost all of the time: are feelings of hopelessness; too little or too much sleep ; low energy or fatigue; poor self-esteem  or reduced appetite or overeating trouble with concentration. People with dysthymia will often take a negative or view of themselves, their future, other people, and life events.

Treatment for dysthymia includes antidepressant drug therapy, along with  psychotherapy. Medications often do not work as well for dysthymia as they do for major depression.  

People with dysthymia often benefit from psychotherapy.  Psychotherapy is a good place to talk about feelings and thoughts, and to learn ways to deal with them.  People can learn to be more aware of their symptoms, learn what seems to make depression worse, and learn problem-solving skills.

Dysthymia is a chronic condition that lasts many years. Though some people completely recover, others continue to have some symptoms, even with treatment.

Although it is not as severe as major depression, dysthymia symptoms can affect a person's ability to function in their family, and at work.