Dysthymia (Severe Chronic Depression)

Dysthymia or dysthymia disorder or chronic depression is a form of low grade depression which can last for a few years.

Patients suffering from dysthymia, often encounter two or more of the following symptoms:

 

-poor appetite or overeating

-insomnia or excessive sleep

-low energy or fatigue
-low self-esteem

-poor concentration or indecisiveness

-hopelessness

 

Medications

In 2003, a medical study came to the conclusion that tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to be equally effective for dysthymia. While cheaper, TCAs such as imipramine (Tofranil) were more likely to cause side-effects than SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).

 

Some encouraging results have been obtained from omega - 3 fatty acids. Omega - 3 fatty acids can be consumed either as a supplement or as oily fish. For now, they have no known side effects and can be prescribed for treatment of  chronic depression.

 

By Sebastian Bunten

 

Article not intended to diagnosis, treat or cure depression.  Always consult your doctor for treatment of depression.

 

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