DYSTHMIA IN TEENS

 By Irene L. Solomon

UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS DYSTHYMIA-

Dysthymia, dysthymic disorder, chronic depression or Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) as it is called now, is a form of low grade, persistent depression that lasts for a really long period of time. Most of its symptoms overlap with other forms of depression which are relatively more serious. However, the one feature that clearly distinguishes it from other forms of depression is that it lasts for a minimum of two years in the case of children and adolescents. Its symptoms are not as severe as in the case of other branches of depression like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Persistent depressive disorder is ‘chronic’ because even though its symptoms are mild, it lasts for a very long time. This condition is known to go undiagnosed for an average of 2-5 years.  A worrisome feature associated with diagnosing dysthymia in children and even teens is that since almost all its symptoms align with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) also, mental health professionals tend to categorize the symptoms under the aforementioned condition and overlook the possibility of dysthymia.

DIAGNOSIS CRITERIA-

The symptoms of dysthymia are mostly the same as other forms of depression-

1.  Anhedonia (losing interest in the things you enjoyed doing before)

2. Insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep) or Hypersomnia (wanting to sleep all day long)

3. Feeling hopelessness, gloomy all day.

4. A sudden increase or decrease in appetite. 

5. In teens and children having dysthymia, irritability is a strikingly different component from adults having dysthymia, where irritability is usually not observed.

6. Unexpected bouts of depression almost every day or on a regular basis. Complete disappearance of the symptoms for 2 months during this span of time is also common.

It is to be noted that these symptoms must be occurring in the child or adolescent for at least 2 years.

CAUSES-

There is no known cause for persistent depressive disorder. But, the following are some factors that may lead to the development of dysthymia-

1. Brain Chemistry- Scientists reveal that it is most likely an outcome of serious imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain. 

2. Genetics- Studies also show that if certain depressive disorders run in the family bloodline, there is a strong possibility that members of that family may develop similar depressive disorders, including persistent depressive disorder.

 So, the above mentioned biological factors are the only known causes of PDD.

COPING STRATEGIES-

1. Psychotherapy- Talk therapy or psychotherapy is the most common line of treatment for almost all for forms of depression, including persistent depressive disorder. Openly discussing your feelings, behavior and thoughts with your therapist is crucial to treat dysthymia. Different types of psychotherapy like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), IPT (Interpersonal therapy), etc. are effective in treating PDD.

2. Medication- Different classes of medications are available for treating PDD. But, mental health professionals can only recommend the right medication after examining the physical and mental conditions of the individual thoroughly.

REFERENCES-

1. (Dysthymia: 7 Natural Ways to Cope With Chronic Depression - Dr. Axe, 2019)

2. Top-ranked hospital in the nation. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic.

3. Drlogy | Find Best Doctors, Hospitals, Diagnostics, Pharmacies & Health near you.

4. (Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, n.d.)