Chronic Depression

Chronic depression, also known as dysthymia, is depression that is persistent for an extended period of time, and often reoccurring. In other words, chronic depression is a prolonged state of sadness that can  stretch from months to years before ever being diagnosed. Unfortunately, it is a form of depression that often goes unrecognized. The patient is usually able to carry out daily activities regularly and appear fine on the outside, but on the inside they constantly feel hopeless, upset and unhappy.

Causes of Chronic Depression

Currently, experts have yet to determine a sole cause of chronic depression, but they have attributed a number of risk factors. Additionally, chronic depression appears to be caused by alterations in the levels of a chemical called Serotonin that transmits nerve impulses. Serotonin is also called the ‘happy hormone’ since its release results in positive feelings in the mind. The theory is that a lack of Serotonin can increase the risk of chronic depression.

Risk Factors

  • Those who have a family history of chronic depression are said to be more prone to suffering from chronic depression throughout their lifetime
  • Has suffered a traumatic event or chronic illness. Studies show that patients who have been kept on ICUs for extended periods of time are at a higher chance of suffering from chronic depression
  • Stress in daily life, family problems, relationship problems, and so forth

Symptoms of Chronic Depression

  • Persistent feeling of sadness and hopelessness
  • Altered sleep patterns
  • Feeling of remorse and/or guilt for no particular reason
  • Laziness and exhaustion
  • Increase or decrease in appetite. Some people indulge in binge eating to overcome depression while others suddenly stop eating. This varies from person to person.
  • Low self esteem
  • Lack of concentration is one of the major symptoms of chronic depression
  • Relentless cramps, headaches and/or digestive problems like acidity

Diagnosis of Chronic Depression

Diagnosis is entirely based on any symptoms reported by the patient, and there presently exists nochronic depression radiographic examination or blood tests are required. Nevertheless, routine urine examinations or other tests can be performed to rule out any underlying pathology as the cause of chronic depression.

To be clinically diagnosed with chronic depression, in most cases the feeling of depression has to have been present for an extended period of time. Additionally, at least two or more of the symptoms should be present. Keep in mind though that this is not a standard rule, and if you have doubts that you may be suffering from chronic depression, it is best to visit a mental health professional.

Chronic Depression Treatment

Treating chronic depression can be done through the use of psychotherapy or antidepressants, which may be used individually, or can be used simultaneously. Recent studies show that a combination of the two treatment methods has actually seemed to be the most effective option.

Antidepressants

The drugs may not have as much an effect in the beginning, but you have to trust your doctor and follow the instructions they’ve given you. A chronic disease, as mentioned earlier, is a long standing condition, so it’s definitely not going to be a quick treatment.  Generally speaking, antidepressants are prescribed to be taken over a period of six to nine months, but can also be shorter or longer. You should keep in mind that the dosage of these drugs has to be discontinued gradually, and should not be discontinued abruptly. This will only hinder the chronic depression treatment and is likely to increase the risk of further phases of depression.

The major class of drugs used to combat chronic depression are Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Some of these include fluoxetine, citalopram, and sertraline.

Other classes of drugs that may be used are serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.

Although antidepressants are quite effective, your doctor will advise you that they have man potential side effects and should not be self-prescribed by the patient. Only take antidepressants at the recommendation of your mental health professional.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a unique form of counselling. Over the years, it has gained quite a bit of popularity as many patients report it as being effective. Now, keeping in mind that chronic depression is often the result of chemical imbalances, psychotherapy alone in many cases will not be sufficient. But when combined with antidepressants, psychotherapy has proven to be extremely effective. Psychotherapy is an attempt to uncover any underlying causes that are triggering depression in the individual.

What Should You Do?

If you suspect that you may be suffering from dysthymia, it is important to see a health professional as soon as you can. The sooner you are examined, and diagnosed, the sooner the treatment can be begin. In the mean time, keeping a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, and keeping healthy relationships, can all help.