Dysthymia treatment can help reduce depression symptoms

Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression that lasts at least two years. Dysthymia symptoms can include depressed mood, appetite changes, sleep problems, concentration difficulties, poor energy, and feelings of worthlessness, pessimism or irritability. The symptoms are not as intense as severe depression symptoms. Still, dysthymia can cause significant problems in one's life.
People struggling with dysthymia are at risk for developing major depression, substance abuse problems and heart disease. Dysthymia tends to develop prior to the age of 20. Women having double the risk men do. Because it starts early on, you may have gotten used to your symptoms and just assumed you had to put up with them.

But don't get discouraged. We are fortunate to have good treatments, including medication, for many forms of depression, including dysthymia. A recent Dartmouth College study that looked at problem solving therapy and the use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such a Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa or Lexapro showed good results.

When you get depressed, your thoughts can be distorted. The longer you've suffered from depression, the more ingrained your thought patterns are. Talk therapy can help to reverse these negative thinking patterns. As always, see your health care provider for accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, medical work up. And, if you've had any experience with dysthymia, please share your story.