Mental Illness

3 Pages 818 Words

Dysthymic Disorder is described as chronic depression, but is less severe than a major depression. The main symptom for dysthymic disorder is an almost daily depressed mood for at least two years, but without the necessary criteria for a major depression. Low energy, sleep, appetite disturbances, and low self-esteem are signs of having this mood disorder.
People who have this will often say they don't recall ever not feeling depressed, but they may be relatively functional in managing their life. The symptoms are severe enough to cause stress and interference with every day situations. It is important to have a complete physical with a health doctor to rule out any physical illnesses that might be causing the depression. If this is so then the correct diagnosis might be a Mood Disorder due to a general Medical Condition, even if all the criteria for dysthymic disorder are met. The question is whether the medical condition is physically causing the depression.
Dysthymic disorder is a long term illness but psychotherapy is effective in reducing the symptoms, and assisting the person in managing their life better. Some use antidepressant medication and psychotherapy, and many respond better when using both at the same time.
Dysthymic Disorder causes many changes in the way you think, feel, behave, and also you physically.
* Changes in Thinking include experiencing difficulty with concentrating and making decisions. Some have problems with short term memory or forgetting things all the time. Negative thoughts and thinking are characteristics of depression. Pessimism, poor self-esteem, excessive guilt, and self-criticism are all common. Some even have self-destructive thoughts during more serious depression.
*Changes in Feelings include feeling sad for no reason. Others say that they no longer enjoy activities that they once found fun. You might lack motivation or feel "slowed down" and tired all the time. Sometimes smaller p...