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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Psycho D on August 30, 2003, at 20:12:16
???
Posted by linkadge on August 30, 2003, at 20:54:12
In reply to What is dysthymia and how is it treated?, posted by Psycho D on August 30, 2003, at 20:12:16
A form of chronic depression that tends to be less severe than severe depression, but lasts much longer, usually years.
This form of depression seems to be more endogenious - probably genetic. It responds
well to low-moderate levels of antidepressants.If untreated it often excalates to full major depression, it rarely remits fully but rather returns to low level depression.
Linkadge
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:-)> ???
Posted by hog80ci on August 30, 2003, at 23:11:08
In reply to Re: What is dysthymia and how is it treated? » Psycho D, posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 22:42:03
I have to agree with both of the above posts. I'm diagnosed with major depressive disorder, recurring and dysthymia. Meds and therapy help the dysthymia. Meds can keep the major d at bay when they are working.
Take care
Jim
Posted by don_bristol on August 31, 2003, at 7:57:36
In reply to What is dysthymia and how is it treated?, posted by Psycho D on August 30, 2003, at 20:12:16
I always think of dysthymia as very similar to "atypical depression" (actually there are two forms of atyipcal depression) although I think atypical depression does not have to last for as long as dysthmia for it to be diagnosed. I may mix them up a bit because I have both but maybe it is valid to see a large overlap of the two anyway.
Atypical depression, which is not a term much used these days (nor is the quaint sounding "hysteroid dysphoria" which seems very similar), is said to respond better to MAOIs than to most other antidepressants but it seems that this is far from conclusive although it may be worth knowing.
This is the end of the thread.
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