Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

Dysthymia

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Neurotic depression (dysthymia); Dysthymic disorder; Chronic depression; Depression - chronic

Definition    Return to top

Dysthymia is a chronic type of depression in which a person's moods are regularly low. However, it is not as extreme as other types of depression.

Causes    Return to top

The exact cause of dysthymia is unknown.

As with major depressive disorder, dysthymia occurs more women in women than in men and affects up to 5% of the general population. Dysthymia can occur alone, or together with more severe depression or another mood or psychiatric disorder.

Symptoms    Return to top

The main symptom of dysthymia is low, dark, or sad mood nearly every day for at least 2 years. The symptoms are less severe than in patients with major depression, but people with this condition can still struggle with:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

Your health care provider will take a history of your mood and other mental health symptoms over the past several months.

Treatment    Return to top

As with other forms of depression, there are a number of treatment options for people with dysthymia:

Medications do not work as well for dysthymia as they do for depression. It also may take longer after starting medication for you to feel better.

Some evidence suggests that combining medication and psychotherapy may lead to the most improvement.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Dysthymia is a chronic condition that lasts many years. Though some people completely recover, others continue to have some symptoms, even with treatment. Some people need to continue taking medication and undergoing therapy.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Antidepressant drugs have side effects that can complicate treatment. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may cause stomach upset, mild insomnia, and reduced sex drive.

If not treated, dysthymia can turn into a major depressive episode. This is known as "double depression."

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you regularly feel depressed or low.

References    Return to top

Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Health Care Guidelines: Major Depression in Adults in Primary Care. 11th ed. May 2008.

Stewart JW. Treating depression with atypical features. J Clin Psychiatry. 2007;68:25-29.

Update Date: 8/22/2008

Updated by: Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.