Although persistent depressive disorder is more common than people realize, it's still not well understood by the majority of people. Find out how this condition develops, what can be done about it, and where you can get help.
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Persistent Depressive Disorder Treatment (Dysthymia)
pathwaysreallife.com/persistent-depressive-disorder-treatment-dysthymia
If you are struggling with dysthymia, known as persistent depressive disorder, you may be
seeking help because you feel like you’re watching your opportunities for happiness drift
by. It may feel too difficult to overcome negative thoughts and emotions even on the
happiest occasions. Loved ones may say you’re brooding, continuously complaining, or
angry, or that you simply need to lighten up and try harder to have fun. Fortunately, this
condition is less severe than major depression and there is effective persistent depressive
disorder treatment that can help you overcome dysthymia symptoms.
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What is Dysthymia?
Persistent depressive disorder is continual (chronic) depression. People who suffer from
this disorder often have low self-esteem and frequently feel hopeless, sad, and powerless
to overcome ongoing negative feelings and thoughts. A persistent depressive disorder
definition includes signs such as disinterest in usual daily activities, low productivity at
school or work, relationship difficulties, and other serious problems.
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Dysthymia Symptoms
Persistent depressive disorder symptoms typically increase and decrease and fluctuate in
intensity for a few months at a time through the years but don’t disappear. Symptoms
often include:
Feeling hopeless
Low energy, feeling tired
Feelings of sadness, emptiness
Loss of interest in activities
Avoiding social interactions
Difficulty focussing
Low self-esteem
Poor work or school performance
Difficulty sleeping
Irritability or anger
Lack of appetite or overeating
Sense of guilt, worrying about the past
Other depression-related symptoms
Causes of Persistent Depressive Disorder
The precise cause of persistent depressive disorder is unclear. Similar to major depression
disorder, it may involve biological factors, brain chemistry factors that affect the stability
of moods, and other physical and mental contributors.
Diagnosis often includes physical and psychological examinations and tests to identify
possible links to another condition that can impact mood. Examples may include physical
illness or disease, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, or other issue(s).
When To See a Doctor for Persistent Depressive Disorder
(Dysthymia)
You may think you’ll always feel this way, empty and sad, but there are effective
treatments for persistent depressive disorder. The first step is to discuss it with your
doctor or mental healthcare provider. Or, ask a friend or loved one, or someone else you
trust to help identify the best providers of the most suitable type of depression treatment
for you.
If you think you might be at risk of hurting yourself or have suicidal thoughts, call 911 or
your local emergency response service without delay.
Dysthymia Treatments
The primary treatments for persistent depressive disorder are medication and/or
psychotherapy (talk therapy). Your doctor can recommend one of those approaches or a
combination of the two, depending on considerations such as:
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The duration and severity of your depression
Your motivation to overcome your symptoms
Your preferences of treatment type(s)
Your history with depression treatment methods
Your physical tolerance for depression medications
Co-occurring disorders or other issues
Medications: Below is the list of antidepressants most frequently used in persistent
depressive disorder treatment. Discuss potential side effects with your doctor, and ask
him or her about safely decreasing and discontinuing the use of the medication.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Psychotherapy: Psychological counseling, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, and
other forms of talk therapy can be very effective in controlling the recurring onset of
symptoms of persistent depressive disorder. These treatments can be exceptionally
helpful to:
Gain a sense of greater satisfaction with your life
Identify issues contributing to your depression
Identify and replacing negative beliefs with positive healthy thinking
Change habits that worsen the condition
Develop powerful coping strategies
Find effective ways to solve persistent problems
Build skills for controlling anger and gaining greater freedom from it
Examine and develop more positive relationships
Adopt self-empowering ways to overcome feelings of hopelessness
Explore current goals and strategies for achieving or modifying them
Relief from Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder
Because the persistent depressive disorder is a chronic condition, coping with the
symptoms over the long term can seem overwhelming. However, combining the
dysthymia treatments of talk therapy with appropriate medication can provide an
effective, comprehensive program for controlling this condition and enjoying a much
more satisfying life.
Pathways Real Life Recovery Depression Treatment in Utah
Pathways is a mental health treatment center in Utah. We offer our clients the best
depression treatment from a highly experienced team of caring specialists. Our therapy
staff includes Depression Treatment Specialists, Medical Doctors (MD), Life Skills
Training Specialists, Self-Esteem Experts, Trauma Specialists, Addiction Specialists, and
other top professionals in the field of depression treatment.
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For information about depression treatment or a free assessment, call Pathways
Real Life Recovery at (801) 895-3006, or contact us here on our website to
schedule.