Beating Dysthymia DepressionDysthymia depression, also called dysthymia, is characterized by long–term (two years or longer) but less severe symptoms that may not disable a person but can prevent one from functioning normally or feeling well. People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes. In children, the mood may be irritable rather than depressed, and the required minimum duration is only 1 year. During this 2-year period (1 year for children or adolescents), any symptom-free interval can not last longer than 2 months. You probably won't have the symptoms every day. You may feel good for a few days or even a month at a stretch, but the symptoms always come back. This particular characteristic of dysthymia contributes to the perception that this is "just the way I am." It also tends to wear us down and can lead to thoughts of suicide.
CausesThe causes are complex and not yet completely understood. Sleep abnormalities, hormones, neurotransmitters(chemicals that communicate impulses from one nerve cell to another), upbringing, heredity, and life stressors (significant life changes or events that cause stress) all have been implicated as causes.Dysthymia depression occurs in approximately 25% to 50% of people who have sleep abnormalities that include reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and on and off sleep. Rapid eye movement sleep is an essential component of the sleep cycle and quality of sleep. There is some evidence that suggests a correlation with hormonal imbalances of cortisol or thyroid hormones. In many adults, levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) are elevated during acute depressive periods and return to normal when the person is no longer depressed. A lack of thyroid hormone mimics depression quite well and is routinely checked in patients with dysthymic disorder.
TreatmentsMedications:Studies suggest some treatment success with medications such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Medications can be effective in patients who have depression due to sleep abnormalities. For more information, see
depression medicine.
Clinical reports suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, or family therapy can be effective. In these therapies, the goal is to help the patient develop healthy problem-solving and coping skills.
Natural cures for depression tend to work especially well for this type of depression due to its chronic but low level nature. As with any therapy, you can expect to have a short course of treatment before you start to feel better. The key with treating depression naturally is that you don't give up if you don't see immediate results. Natural remedies work by restoring your bodies function to normal and that takes some time.
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