This series of articles will give a brief overview of the different types of depression, this article will focus on Dystmymia Disorder. If you are looking for a definition of a specific type of depression that is not Dysthemia Disorder click one of the links below.
Bi Polar Depression
Cyclothymic Disorder
Major Depression Disorder
Post Natal Depression
Winter Depression
Dysthymia Disorder also known as Dysthymic Depression is a dibilitating mental ilness that is considered to be a form of chronic depression although it is less severe than Major Depression Disorder (link) although it will tend to be an ongoing condition that can last many years and usually will last loner than Major Depression Disorder.
Dysthymia Disorder affects approximately 3% of the population and is most prevelant in homes where it is already present, ie. genetic play a significant part in the susceptibility of a person developing Dysythymia Disorder. Is is more than twice as common to develop in women than in men.
The symptoms of Dysythymia Disorder include, feelings of hopelessness, Insomnia, loss of ability to maintain concentration, lowered levels of energy, fatigue or reduced activity, low self-esteem, loss of appetite or overeating, irritability. A person is said to be suffering from Dysthymia Disorder if they have daily feeling of the above symptoms for a period of no less than 2 years and that the symptoms above do not disapper for a period not exceeding 2 months.
Dysythymia Disorder is a precause for Major Depression Disorder and as such people suffering from it will commonly develop Major Depression Disorder.
Treatment for Dysthymia Disorder is either prescription medication or psychiotherapy, or both. The prescription medication reads like a who's who of household American names, such as Prozac, Zolof, Lexapro, Paxil, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Remeron, and Cymbalta. Some of the side effects of these medications can include Some sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, insomnia, short-term memory loss, and are thought to lead to an increase in aggression and suicidal tendancies.