Depression Learning

Chronic Depression

Chronic depression is also called dysthymia. The symptoms of chronic depression are not as severe as major depression and usually the sufferers are unhappy, but can function well enough in every day life. These symptoms can last for a few years or a lifetime. The symptoms of chronic depression include: a persistent sad or empty feeling, sleeping either too much or too little, Insomnia, feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless, feeling guilty, loss of motivation and the ability to have fun, lethargy, low energy, sluggishness, difficulty in concentration, decision making, or cognition (thinking), appetite changes, eating more or eating less, mental exhaustion, constants aches and pains, headaches, digestive problems, and cramps (all of which are resistant to treatment), and constant thoughts of suicide or death in general.

Scientists are not certain about the exact causes of chronic depression, though now more and more research is pointing to a lowered serotonin level in the brain, medications, chronic illness, work or relationship problems and other life stressors.

The National Institute of Mental Health states that over 10 million adults, 18 years of age and older are suffering with dysthymia. Even though dysthymia is not as severe as major depression, this chronic depression can still prevent a person from living up to his or her full potential, and from enjoying life to the fullest. Dysthymia can start during childhood and continue all through one’s adult years. Chronic depression is more common in females than in males

Only a qualified mental heath specialist or physician can diagnose dysthymia. Health care specialists will rule out other possible depression causes such as drug or alcohol depression or other medical conditions such as hypothyroidism. These symptoms must be severe enough to cause some kind of impairment such as managing certain aspects of life such as job promotion or coping with stress. Unlike other medical conditions, there really isn’t a depression test such as a blood test or MRI that will pinpoint anomalies in the body. Diagnosis is often done by mental evaluation, where the doctor will ask a series of questions. If dysthymia is present, the doctor will recommend counseling and or anti depressants.

There are different types of therapy, and each one of these therapies has its good points. Cognitive therapy can help the individual with coping skills and pointing out negative thinking and how paralyzing it becomes. Group therapy can help depressed individuals to help each other and to provide support and understanding of the problems they share in common. Family therapy can help the entire family to understand the issues and how to deal with them on a family level. Family therapy can also help create a much needed safety net and support system.

There are several choices for depression drugs; they can be antidepressants as well, such as Prozac and other serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as Cymbalta, tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil, MAO inhibitors such ad Nardil or other antidepressants such as Bupropion.

If you find that you do not enjoy life, are listless, no longer caring about the things that once were important to you and generally feeling that you just can’t get ahead no matter what you do while life is just getting you down then you must go see about it. Health care professionals are in a position to help.

Related Depression Posts

• Chronic Depression
• Can St. John’s Wort Treat Depression?
• Clinical Depression
• Suicide
• Medication & Drugs
• Major Depression
• How does Avoiding Reality Cause Depression?