About Define Dysthymia: Define Dysthymia

How do we define dysthymia and its relationship to depression? Depression not only affects the person who is going through it, but also everyone around them, including friends, family, loved ones, spouses, and children.

The most effective treatment

Dysthymia is a type of mood disorder that falls under the umbrella of depression. Although it is considered to be a chronic form of depression' it is not regarded as being as severe as a major depressive disorder. Long lasting in nature' Dysthymia is a type of low grade depression.

There are a number of different treatment options for this condition that can be categorized into medical treatment options' and psychological treatment options. With regards to medical treatment' it is important to note that the majority of patients with this disorder will find antidepressant medication beneficial. The suitability of such medication is assessed first by analyzing the family’s medical history and how they have responded to other forms of treatment. In such cases' hospitalization on an out patient basis is often the route taken by most doctors.

As mentioned earlier' antidepressant drugs have proved to be immensely beneficial for patients who suffer from this disorder. In particular' medication such as fluoxetine and imipramine has shown very positive results. In addition' anti-anxiety drugs are also used to combat this condition. These dugs are not considered to be of much value on the long term and include the barbiturates' the benzodiazepines' and the amphetamines. Such drugs are usually prescribed for patients suffering form tension' insomnia' and fatigue.

Psychological treatment is another option that should be considered as this is a principle treatment resource for individuals suffering with this condition. During such treatment' the clinician aspires to grasp the true depth of the patient’s pain and potential for self-destruction. Once this is established' optimism or pessimism will then be determined with regards to the patient’s response to the treatment.

Individual psychotherapy is another popular option for treatment. There are a number of types of this kind of treatment which include interpersonally oriented' behavior therapy' and social skills training etc. This type of treatment however is only useful if specific neurotic conflict patterns can be understood' and the clinician is experienced and knowledgeable in its use. This treatment must however be coupled with supportive measures such as creating awareness in the patient with regards to the nature of his/her illness' to working closely and cohesively with the patient’s friends and family.

Group therapy is yet another treatment option that should be considered. Although individual treatment is by far the more popular option among individuals with Dysthymia' many have benefited from group therapy and increased social function. Yet another form of this treatment is known as “family therapy” in which the direct focus of the family is on the “role” of member who is suffering with this condition' and not on the symptoms of the patient.

In conclusion' there are a number of treatment options available for Dysthymia. It is up to the patient concerned' his/her friends and family' and the most importantly the doctor to choose the treatment option that is most suitable