Dysthymia
Dysthymia is a low-level state of depressed mood that lasts a long time. The depressed state of dysthymia is not as severe as with major depression, but can be just as disabling.
Symptoms of dysthymia:
Low self-esteem or self-confidence, or feelings of inadequacy
Feelings of pessimism, despair or hopelessness
Generalized loss of interest or pleasure
Social withdrawal
Chronic fatigue or tiredness
Feelings of guilt or brooding about the past
Subjective feelings of irritability or excessive anger
Decreased activity, effectiveness or productivity
Difficulty in thinking: poor memory, poor concentration or indecisiveness
Dysthymic disorder is diagnosed when these symptoms last for more than two years in adults (or one year in children) and a person has not been symptom-free for more than two months at a time.
People with dysthymia may be unaware that they have an illness. They might be able to go to work and manage their lives to some degree. However, they may be irritable, stressed, or sleepless much of the time. Many people with dysthymia believe their symptoms are just part of their personality. It may be more difficult for them to seek treatment.
About 3-6% of the population has dysthymic disorder. People with dysthymia often have their first symptoms earlier in life than those with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
Some people have dysthymia along with periodic episodes of major depression. Martin B. Keller, M.D coined the term “double depression” to describe this.
How is dysthymia different from depression?
Two research studies suggest that the symptoms of depression and dysthymia do overlap but that symptoms such as weight change or sleep disturbance are less likely to be found in people with dysthymia. These symptoms are more prevalent in people with chronic major depression. Other symptoms which are more psychological in nature such as feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness are common to people with both dysthymia and chronic major depression.
Looking at family history may help with diagnosis. Another recent report suggested that the family histories of people with dysthymia and chronic major depression were more similar to each other than to the family histories of people with an acute episode of major depression.
Treatments and therapies that are effective for treating depression, such as medication, psychotherapy and peer support can also work for people with dysthymic disorder. As with depression, people with dysthymia may need to try more than one treatment or medication, and it may take several weeks for medication to work. During this time, it is important to seek support from friends, family, and a DBSA support group. People in DBSA support groups have “been there” and can offer support, understanding, inspiration and hope.
Depression Across the Lifespan
Although depression is usually first noticed during the teen or early adult years, a person can have an episode of depression at any age. Without treatment, an episode can last six months or longer.
Children and Adolescents
Depression may have a slightly different set of symptoms when a child or teen has it. Children and adolescents may be more likely to have symptoms like unexplained aches and pains, irritability and social withdrawal. On the other hand, symptoms more likely to affect adults include slowed speech and activity, sleeping too much and believing things that aren’t true (delusions).
Depression in children may co-occur with anxiety, disruptive behavior disorders or attention deficit disorder. Children should be treated by a physician with knowledge and experience in treating children with mood disorders. Parents, teachers and health care professionals should be familiar with symptoms of mania, including:
Increased irritability
Increased self-esteem
Decreased need for sleep
More talkative than usual
Racing thoughts; lots of ideas at once
Being eaisly distracted
Increase in goal-directed activity or physical activity
Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities
Medication choices for people under 18 years old should be made and monitored carefully. Ask children who take antidepressants often how they are feeling and encourage them to be honest with someone about any major mood changes, especially thoughts of suicide. Educate children in age-appropriate ways about symptoms that mean trouble and need to be reported right away. Make sure they have several phone numbers of support people they can call if they have trouble with worsening symptoms.
Parents should also know the signs of suicidal thoughts such as:
Giving away possessions or making plans for a future when they are gone
Talk of unbearable feelings or situations
New or more thoughts of suicide or death
New or worse depression
New or worse anxiety
Feeling very agitated or restless
Panic attacks
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
New or worse irritability
New or more social isolation
Attempts to commit suicide
Acting aggressive, being angry or violent
Acting on dangerous impulses
Increased use of alcohol or substances
Being extremely hyperactive in actions and speech
Other unusual changes in behavior, including a sudden sense of calm as if a final decision has been made
Health care providers, parents and their children must weigh the risks of treating depression compared to the risks and lifetime impact of untreated depression and suicidal ideation. They should discuss all treatment choices, not just the use of antidepressants. All adults who interact with the child should become familiar with all suicide warning signs, regardless of what treatment the child is receiving. In addition, parents should educate teachers about what behavior they must report.
Older Adults
Depression is not a normal part of growing older.
Older adults may be going through changes such as children moving away, illness, moving to assisted living facilities or the death of loved ones. All of these things can cause feelings of sadness or grief. But when feelings of sadness last for a significant length of time and keep older adults from enjoying life the way they used to, it may be a sign that they should seek treatment.
Depression treatment is especially important for older adults because they may have a greater risk of suicide. Loved ones should watch for signs such as preoccupation with death, increased visits or calls, hopeless statements or refusal to follow doctors’ recommendations for medication or diet plans.
Other illnesses may also be an issue for older adults with depression. Older adults should have complete physical examinations and their health care providers should be informed about all medications they take for all illnesses. Some medications for other illnesses may trigger symptoms of depression or have side effects that look and feel like depression.
It can help older adults have a group of people to talk to who have had similar experiences and can understand and offer support. They may feel apprehensive or ashamed at first, and not want anyone to know they are coping with a mood disorder. Most people of all ages in DBSA support groups also struggled with these feelings at first and can offer insight and support.
Older adults are also encouraged to start support groups for older adults that meet earlier in the day, are accessible to people with disabilities, are closer to people’s homes or meet other special needs. DBSA Support Groups [link] are confidential and free of charge.
Don’s Story
After more than 60 years living with depression, I was able to find relief. Though I’ve recently had some setbacks in my recovery, I’ve worked hard to keep to a normal routine as much as possible - a healthy diet, medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), talk therapy, volunteer work and DBSA support groups. The most important thing I’ve needed to get me through the hard times has been the support of my friends. Though it can be very tempting to isolate myself, it’s so helpful to be reminded that I’m loved and of value and that my depression will pass.
I’m grateful for so many things that have happened on my way to recovery: the perspective I’ve gained from keeping a journal of my progress, the persistence of my doctors when I didn’t respond to conventional treatments, the support of the people who care about me, and the many opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow---most recently attending the DBSA Conference. I learned a great deal and came in contact with many responsive and understanding people.
Another thing that’s important to me today is encourageing others who have depression or another mood disorder to keep fighting and never give up hope. Today I try to reach out to others any way I can. In helping them, I also help myself.
Depression Across Cultures
Different cultures interpret the symptoms of depression in different ways. In Latino and Mediterranean cultures, people may report symptoms such as nervousness or headaches. In Asian cultures, depression may be described as tiredness, physical weakness or imbalance.
In Middle Eastern and Native American cultures, depression may be described as heart problems or heartbreak.
It is important for people with symptoms of depression to tell their health care providers if they feel their unique personal or cultural experience is not being understood. Health care providers should learn something about the background and beliefs of each patient. This can help with diagnosis as well as treatment.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression) is a treatable illness marked by extreme changes in mood, thought, energy and behavior. It is not a character flaw or a sign of personal weakness. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression because a person’s mood can alternate between the "poles" of mania (highs) and depression (lows). This change in mood or "mood swing" can last for hours, days weeks or months.
Bipolar disorder affects more than two million adult Americans. It usually begins in late adolescence (often appearing as depression during teen years) although it can start in early childhood or later in life. An equal number of men and women develop this illness (men tend to begin with a manic episode, women with a depressive episode) and it is found among all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes. The illness tends to run in families and appears to have a genetic link. Like depression and other serious illnesses, bipolar disorder can also negatively affect spouses and partners, family members, friends and coworkers.
Symptoms
Bipolar disorder differs significantly from clinical depression, although the symptoms for the depressive phase of the illness are similar. Most people who have bipolar disorder talk about experiencing "highs" and "lows"---the highs are periods of mania, the lows periods of depression. These swings can be severe, ranging from extreme energy to deep despair. The severity of the mood swings and the way they disrupt normal life activities distinguish bipolar mood episodes from ordinary mood changes.
Symptoms of mania - the "highs" of bipolar disorder
Increased physical and mental activity and energy
Heightened mood, exaggerated optimism and self-confidence
Excessive irritability, aggressive behavior
Decreased need for sleep without experiencing fatigue
Grandiose delusions, inflated sense of self-importance
Racing speech, racing thoughts, flight of ideas
Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility
Reckless behavior
In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations
Symptoms of depression - the "lows" of bipolar disorder
Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
Pessimism, indifference
Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
Unexplained aches and pains
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, contact a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend or hospital emergency room or call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or 911 immediately.
A mixed state (also called mixed mania) is a period during which symptoms of a manic and a depressive episode are present at the same time
Best Wishes and Lot’s of Love,
Arthur Buchanan
Out of Darkness & Into the Light
209 Ellis Ave. Suite 1313
Bellevue, Ohio44811
567-217-1133 (Home)
They are calling Arthur Buchanan’s methods of recovering from mental illness REVOLUTIONARY! (MEDICALCOLLEGE OF MICHIGAN) ‘Arthur Buchanan has given us a revolutionary blue print for recovery in these uncertain times, when Mental Illness at a all time high in the United States of America, yet if you follow this young mans methods, we assure you of positive results and I QUOTE ‘If these methods are followed precisely, their is no way you can’t see positive results with whatever illness you have’ -Dr. Herbert Palos Detroit, Michigan
Listen to Arthur Buchanan on the Mike Litman Show!
LISTEN TODAY!
www.freesuccessaudios.com/Artlive.mp3
www.out-of-darkness.com www.biologicalhappiness.com
www.adhdandme.com www.mentalillnessandme.com
Starting Jan. 1St Me and My Dr Leland Heller, Will Have a Free
CD Out, Totally Free All You Have to Do Is Pay The Shipping
And Handling Charges.
This Is This My Drs. Leland Heller’s Website
www.biologicalunhappiness.com
The People That Have Listened To This Free CD Have Told Us
That We Should Charge $147 for This Groundbreaking CD,
You Will Never Forgive Yourself If You Pass This Up, Run Don’t
Walk To Get This Groundbreaking CD, It Will Literally Change
The Way You Look At Mental Health!!!
Jan. 1st We Will Be Offering a Free Newsletter From My
Doc. And I, We Will Answer 5 of The Most Pressing Questions
A Month and We Will List Them On The Websites, So Get Your Free CD.
Save a Life Yours!!
del.icio.us
digg
Furl
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
blogmarks
scuttle
feedmelinks