Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
It is defined as long term and chronic form of depression which is continuous in nature, which also affect your daily life activities. You feel lack of motivation, low self-esteem and hopeless.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms include:
- Hopelessness
- Sleep trouble
- Sadness
- Poor appetite
- Fatigue
- Decrease productivity
- Excessive anger
Causes
The exact cause of persistent depressive disorder is still not found yet but many factors play in the development of this disorder like brain chemistry. Inherited trait and environment factors.
Diagnosis
Following tests will help in diagnosis:
- General physical examination to rule out any other cause
- Lab tests to check thyroid function and any other abnormality in other hormones
- Psychological counselling to rule out the other mental illness
Treatment
Treatment depend upon the type and severity of mental illness. Treatment options include:
- Medications like antidepressants, mood stabilizing medications and anti-psychotic drugs will help to reduce the anxiety and depression.
- Psychotherapy provide great help in reducing the signs and symptoms.
- Electro-convulsion therapy sometimes used in the depressive disorders.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Following home remedies will help to fight with your mental illness:
- Avoid alcohol use
- Avoid drugs misuse
- Stick to your treatment
- Exercise daily
- Eat healthy food
- Avoid negative thoughts, and stay positive