overview
- Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia (dis-THIE-me-uh), is a long-term (chronic) continuous form of depression. You may lose interest in normal daily activities, feel hopeless, unproductive, have low self-esteem, and generally feel inadequate. These feelings last for years and can seriously affect your relationships, school, work, and daily activities.
- If you have persistent depressive disorder, you may find it difficult to be optimistic even on happy occasions. It can be described as having a dark personality, being able to complain all the time, or not having fun. While persistent depressive disorder isn’t as severe as major depression, your current depressed mood can be mild, moderate, or severe. Persistent depressive disorder in (dysthymia) treatment Hyderabad
symptom
Persistent symptoms of depressive disorder usually come on and off over a period of years, and their intensity can change over time. But usually symptoms don’t go away for more than two months at a time. In addition, major depressive episodes may occur before or during persistent depressive disorder – this is sometimes called double depression.
Symptoms of persistent depressive disorder can cause significant discomfort and can include:
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Feeling sad, emptied, or depressed
- Despair
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Low self-esteem, self-criticism, or inability
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Irritability or excessive anger
- Decreased activity, efficiency and productivity
The reasons
The exact cause of the persistent depressive disorder is unknown. As with major depression, it can have a number of causes, such as:
Biological differences. People with persistent depressive disorder may have physical changes in the brain. The meaning of these changes is still unclear, but they may help identify the causes.
Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are natural chemicals in the brain that are likely to play a role in depression. Recent research shows that changes in the function and effects of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with the neurocircuits involved in maintaining mood stability can play an important role in depression and its treatment.
Hereditary traits. Persistent depressive disorder seems to be more common in people whose blood relatives also have the disease. Researchers are trying to find genes that could be involved in depression.
Risk factors
- Persistent depressive disorders often start early – in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood – and are chronic. Certain factors appear to increase your risk of developing or causing persistent depressive disorder, including:
- Have a first degree relative with major depressive disorder or other depressive disorder
Traumatic or stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one or financial problems
Personality traits such as negativity such as low self-esteem and excessive dependence, self-criticism or pessimism
Complications
Conditions that may be related to persistent depressive disorder include:
- Reduced quality of life
- Severe depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders
- Substance abuse
- Relationship difficulties and family conflicts
- School and work problems and decreased productivity
- Chronic pain and general medical illnesses
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
prevention
There is no surefire way to prevent persistent depressive disorder. Since it often begins in childhood or adolescence, identifying children who are at risk of disease can help ensure they receive early treatment.
Strategies that can help prevent symptoms include:
Take steps to control stress, increase your resilience, and increase your self-esteem.
Reach out to family members and friends, especially during times of crisis, to help you navigate difficult times. Persistent depressive disorder in (dysthymia) treatment Hyderabad