Dysthymia or dysthymic disorder (chronic depression) is a form of low grade depression which can last for a few years. If you or someone you know is suffering from this affection, you may be interested to find out how to deal with it. Dysthymia is a form of depression that lasts at least two years with out showing improvement which affects around 6% of the population. Different from the clinical depression, this form does not interfere with the abilities and well functioning of a man. It just prevents the person from fully enjoying life. These people often feel disheartened and despairing.

When suffering from dysthymia, you will also encounter two or more of the normal symptoms: poor appetite or overeating; insomnia or excessive sleep; low energy or fatigue; low self-esteem; poor concentration or indecisiveness; and hopelessness. In some cases, dysthymia and major depression can occur together, and this affection is called double depression.

What can be done?

Most of the patients remain untreated of this disorder because the family doctors miss it in their evaluations. However, once it is diagnosed, it can be easily treated with psychotherapy and drugs.

The role of psychotherapy in the treatment

Often, dysthymia is not treated with drugs because it is a long term condition so more kinds of therapists are ready to be of assistance for treating it. Cognitive therapy, interpersonal therapy and solution focused therapy as well as family, group or couples therapy.

Medications

Researches have produced divided opinions about the antidepressants treatment for dysthymia so any prescription that would be made must be based on individual evaluation. In 2003, a medical study came to the conclusion that tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to be equally effective for dysthymia. While cheaper, TCAs such as imipramine (Tofranil) were more likely to cause side-effects than SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).

What are the available alternatives?

Dysthymia can be treated with a large range of alternative medications and supplements. One of them would be St. John's wort which has shown improvement of the symptoms in the mild to moderate cases. Yet, a 2005 review founds the evidence of the benefits inconsistent and confusing.

Some encouraging results have been obtained from omega - 3 fatty acids. They can be consumes wither as supplements or as oily fish. For now, they have no known side effects and can be prescribed for treatments but further researches are awaited.

Changes of lifestyle

Dietary supplements have gained importance over the past time. Having a good looking and smelling food may take over suppressed appetite. It may help to include in your diet B vitamins, potassium and zinc. Another thing that may help by reducing their physical and mental effects would be to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine.

Aroma therapy, acupuncture or other complementary therapies could be of assistance. Insomnia can be fought with the valerian herb and the energy level may be arisen by ginseng.

Also exercising may help restoring the order in eating and sleeping habits. Exercises release endorphins in the body which are responsible for happiness.

Social support

A very important role in treating dysthymia is played by help and support of other people regardless their position or connection. So, friends and family can provide very much support for the suffering person and can help him improve and deal easier with his condition. Nevertheless, it is very helpful to receive comfort from unknown people like in community support groups. Sharing the problems, the needs and the experiences with others like you may help understanding the condition and maybe develop new skills of dealing with it.

Dysthymia and children

The condition is encountered in 5% of the children and 8% of adolescents. Children don't present the same symptoms as the adults. The main characteristics of children suffering from dysthymia are anger and irritability. Those symptoms can do much harm on their behavior, social skills and education and they may have even further consequences in the adult life setting in place a vicious circle that may trigger major depression one day.

Recovery

It can not be guaranteed that one will fully recover from dysthymia although the rate is as high as 70 percents in a four year period. Yet, once recovered, the treatment should not be neglected because this a recurrent form of depression.

Final word

Many people shame of the effect that diagnosing such a disease will have over their life. They believe that the symptoms of this disorder may be shaken off by themselves and avoid seeking help treating what is treatable.

Never fear of calling your doctor if you have thoughts about death and suicide or if the treatment doesn't improve the symptoms or even worsens them.