Dysthymia: Chronic Sadness

What if negative experiences lead to the development of chronic sadness ? What happens if this internal discomfort, this sadness and despair, are not resolved and continue to weigh on our hearts every day?

In such cases we are talking about a disorder called dysthymia.

This disorder is slightly different from the classic form of depression and is worth learning a little more about.

So be sure to keep reading to get a better understanding of this disorder.

What is dysthymia or chronic sadness?

Dysthymia is a form of depression, but with important expressive and emotional nuances.

In the fifth edition of the American Manual of Psychiatric Diagnosis, ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V)’ is referred to by a different name.  persistent depressive disorder.

We explain what the most characteristic characteristics are:

• The patient is in a state of chronic sadness and discouragement. There are no better or worse periods and this negative mood usually lasts more than two years.
• It is good to know that this disorder does not depend on certain ‘external factors’. That is, in this form of depression, it is not a requirement that the patient has experienced any particular loss or disappointment. This disorder is biologically determined and almost always hereditary. Usually women suffer from it.

• The disorder usually becomes apparent around age 21.
• In some cases, the disorder can become very severe, for example, the patient may not even be able to take care of himself and must be helped daily to eat and dress.
• Although this disorder has a hereditary aspect, stress can make the feeling of depression worse.  Sometimes it is so bad that stress can lead to the disorder taking on the serious form we mentioned above.
• In addition to the feeling of chronic sadness, the patient may also suffer from a bad mood, fatigue, insomnia, eating disorders and concentration problems
• If not treated early, dysthymia can lead to very severe depression. This mental disorder is more serious than dysthymia and is often accompanied by anger, rage and even suicide attempts. This is very dangerous and a good indication of how important it is to address these types of issues as early as possible.

How can dysthymia be treated?

First of all, it is important to remember that dysthymia is a disorder that you must manage for the rest of your life.

Is it possible to enjoy a good quality of life every day? Of course. This is possible if the patient adheres to the following guidelines:

• Taking antidepressants.
• Taking cognitive behavioral therapy, especially attending group therapies.
• Undergo regular medical checkups throughout life.
• Find a good social and personal support circle.

It is especially important to remember that dysthymia is largely hereditary and therefore genetic. There is almost always a small deviation in the neurotransmitters of serotonin.

This means that drugs will be effective and that psychological therapy will undoubtedly help. However, you will have to continue these forms of treatment for the rest of your life.

You can enjoy everyday life, just go to work and achieve your dreams and goals.

In addition, people diagnosed with dysthymia must be aware of their problem and possess great inner strength to understand what has happened.

This is a disease that must be monitored and treated, and most importantly, alleviating all possible causes of stress or anxiety. Stress and anxiety can be triggers for more severe forms of dysthymia.

Conclusion

In addition, remember that if someone in your family suffers from this disorder, there is a higher chance that you will also suffer from it.

In that case, take action, consult your doctor and follow his/her advice.

Finally, it is also important that you can clearly distinguish between dysthymia and normal depression.