Persistent depressive disorder, also known as Dysthymia, is a continuous long-term (chronic) form of depression. You may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, and also have low self-esteem and an overall sense of inadequacy. These feelings last for years and can have a significant impact on your relationships, school, work, and day-to-day activities. If you have a persistent depressive disorder, you may find it hard to be upbeat even on happy occasions when you may be described as having a dim personality, constantly complaining, or unable to have fun. Although the persistent depressive disorder is not as severe as major depression, your current depressed mood may be depressed. Due to the chronic nature of the persistent depressive disorder, coping with symptoms of depression may be challenging, but a combination of talk therapy (psychotherapy) and medication may be effective in treating this condition.
Persistent depressive disorder symptoms usually come and go over years, and their
intensity may change over time. But the symptoms usually do not go away for
more than two months at a time. Besides, major depression episodes may occur
before or during persistent depressive disorder sometimes referred to as a
double depression. Symptoms of persistent depressive disorder in children may
include depressed mood and irritability.
Since these
feelings last so long, you may think that they will always be part of your
life. But seek medical help if you have any persistent symptoms of depressive
disorder. Talk about your symptoms with your primary care physician. Or ask a
mental health professional for help directly. Whether a friend or a loved one,
a teacher or a religious leader or another, you are unwilling to visit another
person, who may be able to help you lead you into treatment.
No way to avoid
continuous depression is certain. There is no way. Since it often begins in
early childhood or adolescents, it may be helpful to identify kids who are at
risk.
The following
strategies can help to prevent symptoms:
• Take steps to
control stress, improve resilience and improve self-esteem.
• Reach out to
family and friends, particularly in times of crisis.
• Treat your
patient as soon as possible to avoid worsening symptoms.
• Consider
long-term care to help prevent symptoms from recurring.
Medicines and
speech therapy are the two main treatments for persistent depressive diseases
(psychotherapy). For children and adolescents with persistent depressive
disorder, psychotherapy may be the first piece of advice, but it depends on
each person. Antidepressants are sometimes necessary as well.
·
Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs)
·
Tricyclic antidepressants
(TCAs)
·
Serotonin and norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
·
Consult with your pharmacist or
doctor about the possible side effects.
Before you find
one which works, you may need to try various medicines or a combination. This
requires patience because certain medicines take several weeks or longer to
achieve the full effect and to facilitate adjustments in the body. Don't stop
drugs without talking to your doctor may help you to lower your dose gradually
and safely. Abrupt or missing treatments with multiple doses can lead to
withdrawal symptoms and sudden cessation of depression.
Psychotherapy is
a general term for treating depression by talking with a mental health
professional about your condition and related problems. Talking therapy or
mental counseling is also known as psychotherapy. For persistent depressive disorders various types of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy,
can be effective. You and your therapist will be able to talk about which type
of therapy is right for you, your therapy goals, etc.
·
Adjust to a crisis or other
problems.
· Identify and replace negative
beliefs or behaviors with positive ones that contribute to your depression.
·
Find better ways of addressing
and solving problems;
·
Exploring relationships and
experiences, developing positive interactions with others.
·
Re-establishing the sense of
satisfaction and control in your life.
·
Learn to establish realistic
life goals.
