Dysthymia, also known as moodiness disease, is a type of chronic and disabling depression that has mild/moderate symptoms such as sadness, feeling emptiness or unhappiness.
However, the most important feature is daily irritability for at least 2 consecutive years, with some severe depressive seizures over time, and it is difficult for people to know what led to this more severe depressive state.
- This disease can be diagnosed by a psychiatrist in collaboration with a psychologist or psychoanalyst.
- Informing the person and observing the symptoms he presents.
- From there will be advised the appropriate treatment.
- Which can be done with the use of antidepressant remedies and psychotherapy.
The signs and symptoms of dystimia can be confused with those of other psychological disorders, and what sets them apart is the presence of moodiness and irritability that do not improve, even if the person has times when it would be possible to feel pleasure or personal feeling. Compliance. Other signs and symptoms that may be observed include:
In some cases, there may be poor digestion, muscle aches and headaches. The person often complains about not being happy, but he’s also not sad, he doesn’t feel anything, just dissatisfaction he can’t name with what.
If you have at least two symptoms of dysthymia, this test can help clear up the doubt about whether or not you have the disorder:
The causes of dysthymia are not rather known, but it is suspected that it may be related to environmental, emotional, traumatic, hormonal changes in the brain and even genetic factors, such as having more than one family member affected by the disease.
In addition, the individual’s temperament and daily stressful situations can influence and aggravate the dystimic state that leads to the development of major depression. Know the signs of major depression and how treatment is done.
Diagnosis should be made by the psychologist and psychiatrist as a whole, observing the presence of two or more characteristics:
These symptoms should have been present for a period of two consecutive years, with improvement intervals of up to 2 months.
Treatment of dysthymia is done through psychotherapy or psychoanalysis sessions and, in some cases, with the use of antidepressant remedies, such as fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine or imipramine, with prescription and under the direction of the psychiatrist, which will help treat homosexual disorders. body, if necessary for treatment.
Psychotherapy sessions are of great help in cases of dysthymia, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, since the person trains to find the circumstances that trigger the symptoms of dysthymia and thus structure an adequate emotional response to each situation, reflecting on the benefits of coping with problems. with realistic thoughts.
Lifestyle change is not a substitute for psychiatric and psychological treatment, but it can be a complement, as the person’s self-care and commitment actions such as following the treatment plan proposed by the professional, obtaining in-depth information about the disorder, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs and the use of meditative practices have excellent results for psychological problems such as dysthymia.
In addition, the use of home remedies such as valerian, chamomile, melisa and lavender teas, which are natural tranquilizers, can help reduce symptoms caused by dysthymia, is also one of the alternatives to supplement the treatment. However, it is important to inform the psychiatrist that you are thinking of using infusions, and consult a herbalist to tell you the correct dose needed to obtain the expected effect. Learn how to make teas with soothing properties.
Dysthymia is curable and can be obtained with the use of antidepressant medications prescribed by the psychiatrist and with the guidance of a psychologist or psychoanalyst. The treatment of dysthymia is done individually, so it is not possible to stipulate a minimum or maximum duration.