Depression vs Dysthymia, II
Symptoms of Dysthymia
The main symptom of dysthymia is a long-lasting low or sad mood. People with dysthymia also can be irritable.
Other symptoms include:
*Increased or decreased appetite or weight
*Lack of sleep or sleeping too much
*Fatigue or low energy
*Low self-esteem
*Difficulty concentrating
*Indecisiveness
*Hopelessness or pessimism
When looking at a diagnosis of dysthymia, many doctors will recognize that their patients have some for of depression. A full evaluation is needed, though, to diagnose dysthymia. Patients must have been dealing with these symptoms for over two years; however, those who have not had the symptoms for more than two years may still be treated for an episode of major depression instead.
While one would think that diagnosing dysthymia sounds easy, there are a number of barriers or hurdles one must look at.
*The symptoms could be related to symptoms of other mood disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder (in which a person has depressive episodes and periods of elevated mood) and cyclothymic disorder (a milder form of bipolar disorder).
*The symptoms must be constant over time.
*There are, unfortunately, no laboratory tests to diagnose dysthymia. (However, a doctor may order tests to investigate conditions such as thyroid disease or anemia and rule these out.)
*Many people are embarrassed or ashamed to be labeled “depressed” and avoid seeing the doctor or psychiatrist for their condition.
Unfortunately, dysthymia can start early in life; even in childhood (oftentimes it’s been shown to occur after a parent’s death) and it remains constant. Treatment may not cure dysthymia, but it can reduce the length and intensity of bouts of dysthymia.
mental and emotional health, depression, major depression, dysthymia, dysthmic disorder, symptoms, treatment
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