Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia, is a mood or affective disorder. It is a chronic, mild depression that lasts for a long period of time (at least 2 years). The word dysthymia comes from Greek roots meaning "ill-humour." Persistent depressive disorder has less of the mental and physical symptoms that a person with major depressive disorder experiences.
The condition usually starts in early adulthood, and the disorder can last for years or even decades. Later onset is usually associated with bereavement or obvious stress, and often follows on the heels of a more extreme depressive episode. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from persistent depressive disorder, in a similar ratio to that seen with major depression.
In the past, persistent depressive disorder had several other names: dysthymia, depressive neurosis, neurotic depression, depressive personality disorder, and persistent anxiety depression.
The exact cause of persistent depressive disorder is not known, but a combination of factors are thought to play a role in its development. Heredity (genetics) can play a role, and people with family members who have depression are more likely to develop persistent depressive disorder, especially when it starts early in life (teens to early 20s).
Changes in neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain may also precipitate persistent depressive disorder. Chronic stress or medical illness, social isolation, and thoughts and perceptions about the world, can all influence the development of persistent depressive disorder. Other mental health conditions (e.g., borderline personality disorder) can also increase the risk of its development.
Persistent depressive disorder is treated with a similar approach to that used for depression – with medication and psychotherapy. The most effective treatment is a combination of strategies.
Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., fluoxetine*, citalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline), may be used in the treatment of persistent depressive disorder.
Short-term psychotherapeutic approaches to treating persistent depressive disorder are quite effective at treating the symptoms of depression. Effective psychotherapies include cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and peer support.
The herbal preparation St. John’s wort may also be helpful for mild depression. Although several studies have shown some benefit, results have been inconsistent. Caution must be advised before people self-medicate to treat persistent depressive disorder. Just because a remedy is available without prescription and is herbal doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Adverse reactions to and drug interactions with herbal remedies are increasingly reported. Before turning to St. John’s wort or other self-medication to treat dysthymia, it’s vital to discuss this option first with a doctor or pharmacist.
It is an unfortunate myth that dysthymia is not a treatable medical condition. It is treatable and many people do recover with treatment.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2026. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Dysthymic-Disorder
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