Dysthymia Treatment
Dr. Thompson
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Thompson
April 24, 2024
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What is Dysthymia?
Dysthymia is a mood disorder that affects a person’s mood, attitude, and energy level. In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), dysthymia is included in the depressive disorders section.
The DSM-5 introduced a new name for this condition. It had previously been known only as dysthymia. But when the DSM-5 was published in 2013, the name was changed to persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).
Two of the more common forms of depression are major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia):
- People who have major depressive disorder will experience severe symptoms that will undermine their ability to function in one or more important areas of life. These symptoms must last for a period of two weeks.
- People who have dysthymia won’t always experience symptoms that rise to the severity of the major depressive disorder, but they will have symptoms for an extended period. For an adult to be diagnosed with dysthymia, they must have been experiencing symptoms for at least two years.
During the two or more years that a person experiences symptoms of dysthymia, they may also have episodes of major depressive disorder.
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Signs and Symptoms of Dysthymia
A person who develops dysthymia may exhibit signs and symptoms such as the following:
- Subdued, sad mood most days
- Regularly eating either too much or too little
- Regularly sleeping either too much or too little
- Persistent and pervasive fatigue or lack of energy
- Poor self-esteem
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Forgetfulness
- Memory problems
- Overwhelming feeling of hopelessness
In short, dysthymia can make it difficult for a person to get up in the morning, get through the day, and experience joy or satisfaction while doing so. Even if a person with dysthymia is outwardly successful, they may feel little to no inner satisfaction as a result of their accomplishments.
Dysthymia can undermine a person’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, make appropriate progress in school or at work, and otherwise engage in a full and healthy life.
Thankfully, dysthymia is a treatable condition. When a person receives appropriate professional treatment for dysthymia, they can learn to manage their symptoms and take greater control of their thoughts and emotions.
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How Does Treatment for Dysthymia Work?
Treatment for dysthymia often involves two elements: prescription medication (psychiatry) and therapy.
Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants have all proved effective at helping people who were receiving treatment for dysthymia.Â
Therapy can help people understand the root causes of their dysthymia and identify triggers (circumstances or situations that may prompt the onset of dysthymia symptoms). During therapy, people can develop and practice skills for avoiding triggers or responding to them in a healthier manner.
At Arbor Wellness, we can also incorporate several dynamic services into a person’s treatment for dysthymia. These services can boost brain health and help alleviate symptoms of dysthymia:
- Red light therapy
- Alpha-Stim
- Spravato treatment
- Biosound therapy
- Genetic testing
- Neurofeedback
Causes and Risk Factors for Dysthymia
Dysthymia is not the result of one universal cause. Several temperamental, genetic, and environmental factors can raise a person’s risk for developing this disorder. Possible risk factors for dysthymia include the following:
- Having an anxiety disorder or a conduct disorder
- Losing a parent due to death or separation during your childhood
- Elevated levels of neuroticism or negative affectivity
- Having a parent or sibling who has dysthymia
- Certain abnormalities in various parts of the brain
How is Dysthymia Diagnosed?
To receive an accurate diagnosis of dysthymia (or any other mental health condition) you should consult with a doctor or a mental health professional. These experts can talk to you about the symptoms you have been experiencing, how long you’ve been dealing with them, and how your life has been disrupted.Â
Once you have completed a thorough assessment with a qualified professional, they can provide you with a diagnosis. This person may also recommend a range of treatment options or refer you to a caregiver who offers treatment for dysthymia.
Remember: To be correctly diagnosed with dysthymia, you must have been experiencing symptoms most of the day, for more days than not, for a period of at least two years.
Benefits of Residential Treatment for Dysthymia
Here are just a few of the many benefits of receiving residential treatment for dysthymia:
- You can temporarily step away from the stress and pressure of day-to-day life. While you are in residential treatment for dysthymia, you can focus your full attention on your treatment and your health.
- During residential treatment for dysthymia, you can learn about lifestyle changes (such as following new nutrition and exercise plans) that can help you manage the symptoms of dysthymia.
- Throughout your time in residential treatment for dysthymia, you will be in a safe place that features round-the-clock care and supervision.
- Before you transition out of residential treatment for dysthymia, you will receive a detailed discharge plan. This document may identify community-based services and resources that can support you as you continue to improve your health.
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