Posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 22:42:03
In reply to What is dysthymia and how is it treated?, posted by Psycho D on August 30, 2003, at 20:12:16
I think dysthymia is a long-lasting, low-grade depression similar to that of major depression but milder. I know it stems from a combination of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors
and treatments vary from a combination of psychotherapy and medication. I think that certain life events can trigger dysthymia in susceptible people like life transitions such as moving, or starting a new school or job,losses and life crises such as death and divorce,
chronic social problems such as poverty and unemployment or stress from having to cope with illness or abuse. SSRI's such as Prozac, paroxetine and sertraline are now most commonly prescribed medications for people with dysthymia. Other antidepressants such as the tricyclics, MAOI's, and the reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (RIMAs)have also been shown to be effective.
I also think, IMHO that family and group therapy would also help a lot of patients and families deal with the symptoms of dysthymia, and maybe some good focused, short-term CBT, and interpersonal therapy-since these employ methods to change dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors and address relationship problems associated with the condition.
Hope this helped:-)> ???
poster:galkeepinon
thread:255750
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030828/msgs/255802.html