Chronic Depression Treatment Center

Chronic depression, also known as Dysthymia depression, is one of the three most common types of depression. (The other two are major depression and bipolar disorder, which was once referred to as “manic depression.”)

As with the other forms of depression, Dysthymia or Chronic depression is associated with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lethargy. However, unlike the other types of depression, dysthymia presents itself with less severe symptoms over an extended period of time, rather than short and extremely intense experiences.

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Symptoms of Chronic Depression

The following symptoms are common among individuals who are suffering from dysthymia:

• Sadness?
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Lethargy, fatigue, or persistent feelings of low energy
• Loss of interest in people, activities, and events that were once the source of pleasure
• Abnormal appetite (either constant desire to overeat or a lack of appetite)
• Abnormal sleep patterns (either excessive or minimal amounts of sleep)
• Feelings of low self-esteem and/or low self-worth

It is essential to recognize that the core element in a diagnosis of dysthymia is the presence of symptoms such as the ones listed above for an extended period of time. A diagnosis of dysthymia usually requires that these symptoms have been present on most or all days for one to two years or more.

Risk Factors for Chronic Depression

As with all cases of depression, no absolute cause-effect relationship has been established between any one risk factor and the development of dysthymia. Experts estimate that dysthymia affects between one and five percent of the adult population in the United States, with women more likely than men to be suffering from the condition.

Family History and Chronic Depression

Individuals whose families have a history of depression may be at increased risk for developing dysthymia. Other factors that can raise the likelihood of developing dysthymia include suffering from another long-term medical condition, abusing alcohol or another drug, and suffering from anxiety or panic disorders.

Mental health experts have also noted an increase in dysthymia among elderly individuals, who may have developed this form of chronic depression as a result of a diminished ability to care for themselves, and the resultant loss of independence.

Treatment for Chronic Depression

Treatment for Chronic Depression often involves medication and therapy. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft have proved to be quite effective in helping dysthymic individuals overcome their disorder, though the type and dosage of the ideal drug for each dysthymic patient must be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Psychotherapy can also be an effective component of a treatment plan for dysthymia. Some patients will respond best to medication alone, some to psychotherapy alone, and others to a combination thereof. As with determining the best type and amount of medications, establishing the correct balance between medication and psychotherapy depends on a number of factors unique to the patient.

Get confidential help now: 855.396.1913 or EMAIL US.