Factsheet: Dysthymia
What is Dysthymia?
Dysthymia (the Greek roots of the word mean “bad state of mind” or “ill humor”) is a disorder with similar but longer-lasting and milder symptoms than clinical depression. By the standard psychiatric definition, this disorder lasts for at least two years, but is less disabling than major depression; for example, victims are usually able to go on working and do not need to be hospitalized.
How Common Is It?
About three percent of the population will suffer from dysthymia at some time - a rate slightly lower than the rate of major depression. Like major depression, dysthymia occurs twice as often in women as it does in men. It is also more common among the poor and the unmarried. The symptoms usually appear in adolescence or young adulthood but in some cases do not emerge until middle age.
Warning Signs
The warning signs of dysthymia are:
- Poor school/work performance
- Social withdrawal
- Shyness
- Irritable hostility
- Conflicts with family and friends
- Physiological abnormalities
- Sleep irregularities
- Parents with major depression
At least three-quarters of people with dysthymia have some other psychiatric or medical disorder as well.
Current Treatments for Dysthymia
Therapy:
- Psychotherapy or cognitive therapy (also known as “talk therapy”) is used to alter people’s self-defeating thoughts.
- Behavioral therapy may help people learn how to act in a more “positive approach” to life and to communicate better with friends, family, and co-workers.
Medications:
Tricyclic antidepressants, the standard treatment for major depression, may be useful for dysthymia
In many cases, the symptoms are hard to recognize and classify, and the response to treatment is unpredictable. Most people with dysthymia see only their family doctor, who may misdiagnose them, especially if the main complaints are physical. Many people do not think of themselves as depressed, and are relieved to be told they have a treatable illness. Unfortunately, mental health professionals are usually consulted only when major depression develops, although dysthymia alone may lead to alcoholism or suicide. Even when it is recognized, dysthymia is difficult to treat. The longer a depression lasts the slower the recovery.
Other Resources
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610-7204
Phone Number: (312) 642-0049Toll-Free Number: (800) 826-3632Fax Number: (312) 642-7243Website URL: www.dbsalliance.orgDepression and Related Affective Disorders Association (DRADA)
8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300McLean, VA 22102
Phone Number: (703) 610-9026Toll-Free Number: (888)288-1104Email Address: info@drada.orgWebsite URL: www.drada.orgAmerican Psychiatric Association
1000 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1825
Arlington, VA 22209-3901
Phone Number: (703) 907-7300Email Address: apa@psych.orgWebsite URL: www.psych.org
Source: The Harvard Mental Health Letter, May 1991 issue
For More Information:
For help finding treatment, support groups, medication information, help paying for your medications, your local Mental Health America affiliate, and other mental health-related services in your community, please click here to access our Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.
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