Persistent depression (chronic depression or dysthymia)

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What is it about ?

Chronic depression, or dysthymia, is a form of mild depression that lasts more than 2 years. Depression is psychic depression. Negative thoughts then predominate permanently.

You can be at the bottom of the hole after a death, a breakup or a school failure, have a little bit of the blues … without suffering from depression. In most cases, you end up raising your head on your own. But if you have certain signs of depression for more than 2 weeks, we talk about depression.

If the disease persists for at least 2 years, it is called chronic depression or dysthymia.

In whom and how often does it occur?

Chronic depression or dysthymia affects 2 in 100 people. It affects women more often than men.

It can also occur with other conditions, such as anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and substance abuse. In young women, it is often associated with an eating disorder: bulimia or anorexia.

How to recognize it?

Half the time, the first signs appear before the age of 25. They are sometimes difficult to recognize because they are considered part of life.

A diagnosis of chronic depression can be made if you are in a sad mood most of the time for at least 2 years and have at least 2 of the following signs:

  • Loss of interest or pleasure,
  • Insomnia,
  • Loss of energy or decrease in activities,
  • Difficulty concentrating,
  • Frequent crying,
  • Decreased self-esteem,
  • Feelings of worthlessness,
  • Feelings of discouragement or hopelessness,
  • Feelings that everyday life is insurmountable,
  • Pessimistic thoughts about the past or permanent mourning,
  • Decrease in social relations,
  • Not wanting to talk.

How is the diagnosis made?

The doctor will talk to you to assess your complaints and see if you meet the criteria for chronic depression.

Sometimes another disease is the basis of your depression: a thyroid disorder, adrenal disease, anemia … The doctor will check if this is your case. For this, he will often carry out a minimum of examinations. These illnesses can make you more mentally fragile and explain your depressive disorder.

What can you do ?

The goal is to get your life back on track and take control of it. So try to resume or maintain your activities and social contacts. A weekly schedule can help. Write down what you want to do every day, and when you want to do it, and actually do it. Also plan activities with other people, for example joining a sports club or recreation association.

If you think you need support, talk to your GP. He will certainly be able to direct you to a service specializing in psychological support. We know from experience that overcoming depression is not easy. A large number of patients (the majority) do not do this on their own. A support network is therefore very important. Your partner, family and friends can help you with this.

The intervention of a psychologist is strongly recommended, in particular a cognitive behavioral psychotherapy.

What can your doctor do?

Your doctor will start by treating any illnesses that are causing your depression (underlying illnesses).

If there are no underlying illnesses, or if they are already being treated, the doctor may be able to devote their full attention to the depression. Most people feel better after some discussion with the doctor and / or psychologist.

You will usually be offered an antidepressant medication. If you and your doctor decide to start this medicine, you should take it for at least 6 months. If you take it for a shorter period of time, symptoms usually return. An improvement is felt by one in two people. If you feel better with this treatment, you will be offered to take it for several years.

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