If someone mentioned that they have depression, most people would likely have some idea of what that means. They might imagine a person feeling tired, gloomy or empty. They might even know some of the accompanying symptoms such as changes in weight or sleep patterns. But what many people don’t know is that there are actually different types of depression. Show
The most common form is major depressive disorder, which affects about 16 million adults in the U.S. This is what most people associate with the term “depression.” Other forms include depression with a seasonal pattern, which usually occurs in late fall and winter; postpartum depression, affecting women after childbirth; and dysthymia, which is a long-term form of depression that lasts for years. All forms of depression have similar symptoms: issues with sleep, low energy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions, feelings of hopelessness. What distinguishes them is timing and consistency of symptoms. And the primary distinction with dysthymia (also known as persistent depressive disorder) is that it’s the only depressive disorder where symptoms are present for at least two years, and typically longer. What is Dysthymia Like?While someone with major depressive disorder will typically “cycle” through episodes of feeling severely depressed and then be symptom-free for periods of time, dysthymia presents with persistent symptoms for years. An episode of depression usually represents a break from someone’s normal life and outlook, while dysthymia is often embedded into a person’s life and outlook because they experience symptoms for such prolonged periods of time. In fact, an adult must experience depression for at least a two-year period to receive a diagnosis (one year for children and teenagers). Dysthymia often has an early and subtle onset during childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. However, it can be challenging to detect because its less severe and lingering nature can make the condition feel “normal” for that person. Also making it a challenge to diagnose is the fact that about 75% of people with dysthymia will also experience a major depressive episode. This is referred to as “double depression.” After the major episode ends, most people will return to their usual dysthymia symptoms and feelings, rather than feel symptom-free. What Can I Do?If you think you may have dysthymia, it’s essential to seek help. Seeing a mental health professional is the first step to recovery. Taking the time to go to therapy is an investment in your health and well-being; the condition will not go away on its own. Typically, a combination of both psychotherapy and medication leads to the best outcomes. Further, according to a study that followed people experiencing dysthymia for nine years, one of the most important factors of recovery is having confidence in your health care providers. This may mean trying out different therapists and psychiatrists until you find one that best fits your needs. The study also notes that participants who recovered felt like they gained “tools to handle life,” including understanding themselves and their condition, having self-acceptance and self-compassion and focusing on solving problems that create distress. Learning these tools and preparing yourself to handle difficult symptoms requires patience. It can be challenging to have hope for recovery when depression is your norm—when feeling good seems more like a memory than a possibility. But recovery is possible. It takes effort and commitment, but you deserve to feel better. Laura Greenstein is communications manager at NAMI. Submit to the NAMI BlogWe’re always accepting submissions to the NAMI Blog! We feature the latest research, stories of recovery, ways to end stigma and strategies for living well with mental illness. Most importantly: We feature your voices. Dealing with depression is challenging in many ways, as it’s a disorder that can impact all aspects of a person’s life. There are many different types of depressive disorders, but people struggling with depressive symptoms can’t always tell what type of depression they are experiencing. Dysthymia and depression are mistaken for one another due to their similarities, but there are some differences between these conditions. What Is Dysthymia?Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a long-term depressive condition with ongoing symptoms that continue for a minimum of two consecutive years. People with dysthymia experience depressive symptoms for most of the day, and they typically feel depressed more often than not throughout the week. Sometimes, people with dysthymia experience depressive symptoms for so long that it begins to feel like part of who they are, rather than a mental health condition. Because it is so pervasive and impacts all areas of life, dysthymia may go undetected for long periods of time. What Is Major Depression?Major depression is a disorder that causes someone to experience feelings of sadness, numbness or disconnection that impacts all areas of life. To meet diagnostic criteria for major depression, a person needs to have symptoms nearly every day for a minimum of two consecutive weeks. Major depression impacts the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. Often, people with depression have a negative view of themselves as a result of their condition. Suicidal thoughts pose a major risk for people struggling with depression, particularly if they do not get help when it is needed. Major Depressive Disorder vs. Persistent Depressive DisorderWhen comparing major depression and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), it can be challenging to distinguish one from the other. Both disorders have similar symptoms. A major difference between the two conditions is the length of time symptoms must be present in order to form a diagnosis. Signs and SymptomsDepression and dysthymia have similar symptoms. These disorders can present in many different ways, but often they show up as:
Depression and dysthymia impact the way a person lives their life; they affect emotions and influence the way one thinks and behaves. Causes and Risk FactorsPeople who have first-degree relatives with depressive or other mood disorders are more likely to experience depression or dysthymia, as there is evidence that both conditions have a genetic component. Situations, life events and exposure to trauma can also increase the potential for depressive disorders. Co-occurring conditions can also pose a risk for people with depression and dysthymia. Anxiety commonly co-occurs with depression, and it can lead to anxiety attacks and social avoidance, which can reinforce negative self-talk. Substance use disorders can also develop when someone tries to cope with their emotions by using drugs or alcohol. DiagnosisAccording to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), people with dysthymia must have at least two of the following symptoms during a two-year span:
During the two-year span in which these symptoms are present, they must be experienced more often than not. In addition, the symptoms must not go away for longer than a two-month span. See Related: Can depression kill you? The DSM-5 criteria for major depression includes nine symptom types. For a diagnosis of major depression, a person must meet five criteria for a minimum of two weeks. At least one of the symptoms must be a depressed mood or a lack of interest or pleasure in things one normally enjoys. The nine symptoms that are commonly associated with major depression include:
PrevalenceMajor depression is more common than dysthymia. During an average one-year span, depression is present in 6.7% of the adult population and dysthymia is present for 0.5%. Depression and dysthymia are an issue for all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with these disorders than men. However, the gap has become narrower over time, as more men are seeking mental health treatment now than in past years. TreatmentDepression and dysthymia can be treated in a number of ways. Medication management and psychotherapy are the two most common treatment methods, but additional options can be explored if these initial treatment modes are ineffective. Transmagnetic stimulation (TMS) has shown positive results and is far less intensive than treatments like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Newer treatment modalities include the monitored use of low-dose hallucinogens in a controlled environment by a trained professional. However, talk therapy remains the least risky treatment approach for depression. People with depressive disorders should consult with their physicians prior to engaging in any medication or behavioral regime. Double DepressionPeople who have a diagnosis of major depression and have experienced these symptoms for two or more years consecutively may have both dysthymia and major depression. This combination is known as double depression. As one would expect, double depression can be even more complicated to manage due to the intensity of symptoms and long-lasting duration. Getting Help for DepressionIf you are struggling with depression or dysthymia, it is important to reach out for support from others. It can be difficult to talk about feelings of depression, but in doing so, you can improve your quality of life and feel like yourself again. Whether you start by talking to a loved one, your medical provider or a therapist, there is no wrong way to reach out for help. A great way to access support is through a user-friendly app called Nobu. Nobu allows you to learn techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, coping skills, mindfulness and even yoga, which can all help you in your journey of healing. For an additional fee, you can also connect with a licensed mental health expert and receive professional treatment for depression and other disorders. Download the Nobu app today and see how it can help you begin a healthier, happier lifestyle.  Edited by – Jonathan Strum Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor’s in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. He has written, edited and published content for health care professionals, educators, real estate agents, lawyers and high-level university faculty… Read more. Written by – Paula Holmes, LCSW Paula Holmes is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and freelance writer who lives and works in midcoast Maine. She received her master’s degree in Social Work in 2008 from the University of Maine. With over a decade of experience in the field of mental health, she is always amazed at the strength, beauty, and resilience of the human spirit… Read more. Medically Reviewed by – Dr. Angela Phillips Angela is a licensed therapist and clinical researcher, and has worked in public, private, government, and not-for-profit organizations, across clinical and research-oriented roles. Angela’s clinical and research experience has included suicide prevention, cognitive behavioral… Read more. Sources
|
