Chronic Depression
Chronic depression, or as it is often referred to Dysthymia, is a form of depression that is not as severe and disabling as severe depression but can still affect the patient for periods up to two years or longer. People affected with chronic depression are usually able to cope with day to day living but appear to be in a constant state of sadness or unhappiness.
Although there are no recognized proven causes of chronic depression medical science believes that it may be caused by certain brain changes. They also believe that a substance known as serotonin (a chemical that acts in the capacity of a neurotransmitter) may also have some affect in patients with chronic depression. They believe a lack of serotonin may reduce the brains ability to deal or cope with strong or stressful emotions. Further studies in the field have also revealed that major life stressors such as chronic illness, medications, relationship and work related problems can also contribute significantly to the affects of chronic depression.
Chronic depression symptoms vary widely from case to case and are similar to the symptoms for major depression though not quite as severe or debilitating. These are the main symptoms to watch for in chronic depression:
Unaccountable or excessive bouts of sadness that seem to persist on a day to day basis.
Overwhelming feelings of worthlessness, low self esteem, or the feeling that their life is hopeless
Sleep disorders such insomnia, or too much sleeping, often it causes early waking form sleep with an inability to get back to sleep again
Guilt of self directed anger feelings
Concentration and decision making skills become significantly decreased
Lack of interest in things usually found enjoyable, inability to enjoy oneself
Easily recognizable signs of mental and physical fatigue
Energy loss and severe tiredness
Aches, headaches, pains, stomach problems that seem to not improve even with medications and treatments
Recurring dark thoughts of death and suicide
Diagnosing chronic depression or dysthymia cannot be done with any know blood test, x-rays or other laboratory tests. When you suspect you or someone you know may have chronic depression that lasts for a period of two weeks or longer a doctor or psychiatrist should be consulted. The physician will begin a full medical examination to determine there is no physical reason for the symptoms. Sometimes medications both prescribed and illegal or even other medial conditions can trigger the same symptoms. Once he determines that it is chronic depression he can than evaluate the patient and prescribe a course of action. Often if caught early enough it can be treated with the family doctor with medications but psychotherapy may also be recommended. Antidepressants such that are widely used for treatment of chronic depression are also not with out risk. Some can have strong side affects such as insomnia and loss of sexual desires
Chronic depression if not treated early can increase to major depression and possibly swing back and forth between the two…this is known as double depression.
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