Dysthymic Disorder
A person who has had signs of persistent depression for a period of two years or more is diagnosed to have dysthymic disorder. These symptoms shouldn’t be extreme enough to classify the disorder as major depression. Children and adults alike may fall victims to dysthymic disorder. However, a child who is diagnosed to have dysthymic disorder will be said to have this kind of disorder if he or she shows symptoms for one year or longer. This is because disorders in children should be taken care of immediately so as not to affect the child’s growth.
The signs and symptoms of dysthymic disorder are like those of the symptoms of other kinds of depression except that they continuously show for the given time periods. Other kinds of depression only manifest itself for as little as a few days to a few months. These symptoms of dysthymic disorder include an increase or decrease in body weight, difficulty in concentrating and decision-making, insomnia, and a low energy level. Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and helplessness, and having a low self-esteem are also some of the signs to look for in diagnosing dysthymic disorder.
The diagnosis of dysthymic disorder follows a certain criteria or a set of guidelines. The patient must show two or more of the given symptoms used to diagnose dysthymic disorder. The symptoms should not disappear for two or more months during the given 2 year period. Major depression should not be experienced while the patient is undergoing the first 2 years of dysthymic disorder. The symptoms should not be a result of the patient’s taking any kind of medication or treatment. Following these guidelines is essential since any deviation from these guidelines may be a symptom of another kind of disorder.
Having a history of depression in the family may lead to a person developing dysthymic disorder. It is also said to have been caused by genetics.
People with dysthymic disorder often think that life is meant to be depressing. The patient rarely sees or feels any hope from living or from existing. The feelings of death and taking one’s own life may be residing in a patient with dysthymic disorder so it is important to handle these kinds of cases with utmost care.
The dysthymic disorder is usually treated with psychotherapy. Talking with someone is often a therapy that is used for these kinds of disorders. This is because talking can lead to resolutions regarding a patient’s perception of one’s self and with his outlook on life. This can be done in a one-on-one session or in groups. In groups or family therapy, the discussion is often centered on how to help a person with dysthymic disorder and how to get him or her to fit in with society. A doctor may also prescribe antidepressants for medication.
If someone is experiencing dysthymic disorder, help should be given right away. A doctor should be called to study the patient and to find out what kind of disorder he or she has. Who knows what might happen if this sort of disorder is undermined and ignored?