DYSTHYMIA, CHRONIC DEPRESSIVE DISORDER- CAUSES, SYMPTOMS & PREVENTION

Edited by, JASPER VICTORIA

Dysthymia, commonly known as chronic depressive disorder is a long-term (over years) and often continuous form of depression. Individuals having chronic depression may lack interest in many activities, feel hopeless, inadequate or dissatisfied, have low self-esteem or inferiority complex which might impact over their daily activities, social, friendly or familial relationships and greatly affect their well being.

Dysthymia may be mild, moderate or severe. The individuals are considered of not being capable of being happy, even over extremely gladdening situations.

Dysthymia may not require drugs often, and is helped by psychotherapy or talk therapy in which the therapist may have sessions to conversate with the patients finding the sources and solutions of the depression, and aiding them to let go of the depression. Mind diversion or meditation may also help. The therapists might make possible for the patients to overlook the cause and consequences of depression, in order for them to lead a healthy and happy life.

The symptoms of dysthymia are hopelessness, excessive sadness or irritation, low self-esteem, emptiness, lack of interest in various activities, lack of productivity, eating or sleeping disorders, incapability or guilt.

The common causes of dysthymia are changes in neurotransmitters, genetic or familial susceptibility for depression or extremely saddening life events, also pessimism or having low self-esteem. 

Dysthymia can be prevented by stress management strategies, being optimistic, sharing issues with a friend or seeking help of well wishers or psychotherapists. 

Though dysthymia is not life threatening, it may trigger suicidal thoughts in certain individuals, having extremely low self confidence or excessive fear or depression. Hence, it should be treated at the earliest possible.