Dysthymia, or chronic depression, is characterized by long-term feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem, and loss of interest in daily activities, affecting approximately 1.5% of adult Americans. The condition is influenced by genetic, biological, and psychosocial factors and is treated primarily through psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Early diagnosis is crucial for prevention and effective management of symptoms.

1. By: Ria Thakkar
CHRONIC DEPRESSION/ DYSTHYMIA

3. WHAT IS IT?
• Defined as chronic, but long term depression
• With dysthymia, you may lose interest in normal daily
activities, feel hopeless, lack productivity, and have low
self-esteem and an overall feeling of inadequacy.
• People with dysthymia are often thought of as being
overly critical, constantly complaining and incapable of
having fun.

5. SYMPTOMS
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Sadness or feeling down
• Hopelessness
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Low self-esteem, self-criticism or feeling incapable
• Trouble concentrating and trouble making decisions
• Irritability or excessive anger
• Decreased activity, effectiveness and productivity
• Avoidance of social activities
• Feelings of guilt and worries over the past
• Poor appetite or overeating
• Sleep problems

7. HOW COMMON IS IT?
• According to the National Institute of Mental Health,
approximately 1.5% of adult Americans are affected by
dysthymia.
• Dysthymia is not as an extreme form of depression as
major depressive disorder, but most symptoms do
prevent many Americans from participating in daily
activities
• Dysthymia can begin in childhood or in adulthood
• Dysthymia is more common in women.

9. MEDICAL BACKGROUND
• As with most cases of depression, dysthymia is caused by a
variety of things. These include:
• Genetic predisposition
• Biological factors - Such as alterations in neurotransmitters,
endocrine, or inflammatory mediators
• Chronic
• Chronic medical illness
• Psychosocial factors
• Antisocial, borderline, dependent, depressive, histrionic, or
schizotypal personality traits

11. HOW IS IT TREATED?
• Early diagnosis and medical treatment
• Can often my cured by a primary care physician
• Two types of treatment are most commonly used:
psychotherapy, and antidepressant medications

13. EFFECTS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
• Psychotherapy can come in the form of one on
one therapy, family therapy, or group therapy
• Essentially, the patient is encouraged to speak
about their feelings with the disorder in an open,
friendly, and safe environment

15. PREVENTION
• Early diagnosis is the key factor in prevention of depression
• If you feel you relationships are suffering, you feel you have an
excessively negative attitude, or you’ve considered suicide,
please see a doctor

17. ANTIDEPRESSANT/ MEDICATIONS
• Antidepressants take 6 to 9 weeks to take full effect, so give it
some time
• Antidepressants are essentially stimulants, in the same category
as caffeine
• Antidepressants usually have some uncomfortable side effects,
such as nausea and rashes

21. SOURCES
• http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/chronic-depression-dysthymia
• http://psychcentral.com/lib/a-current-look-at-chronic-depression/
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dysthymia/basics/symptoms/con-20033879