Dysthymia, a persistent form of depression that can endure for many years, requires comprehensive and effective treatment. At WCWCW in Bethesda, Maryland, our highly skilled mental health professionals are committed to providing expert care for individuals dealing with dysthymia. Despite being less severe than major depressive disorder, dysthymia can significantly impact your daily life. Allow us to guide you through this challenging experience. Contact our office today or schedule an appointment online. We extend the same exceptional service through telehealth for patients residing in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Michigan, and Florida.
Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a chronic form of depression that affects both your physical and mental well-being. While the severity may not be as intense as major depression, dysthymia is a long-lasting condition that may include periods of major depression interspersed with milder depressive episodes.
Women are more likely to experience dysthymia than men. Similar to other types of depression, dysthymia cannot be simply overcome or wished away, necessitating expert intervention, which our team at WCWCW specializes in providing.
The specific cause of dysthymia remains unclear, although it is often associated with chemical imbalances in the brain. Various factors, including your environment, biology, psychological makeup, chronic stress, and traumatic experiences, can contribute to your susceptibility to dysthymia. Additionally, genetic predispositions inherited from your family might play a role, although the specific genes associated with dysthymia have not yet been identified.
Symptoms of dysthymia can vary, but commonly include:
To accurately diagnose dysthymia, your psychiatrist conducts a thorough psychiatric assessment and reviews your medical history to rule out other potential mental health conditions or underlying physical illnesses. In adults, the diagnosis requires a minimum of two years of persistent depression, while in children and adolescents, the duration is at least one year, along with the presence of at least two specific symptoms.
The treatment plan developed by your psychiatrist at WCWCW may incorporate various approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, tricyclic antidepressants, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Patience is essential, as the benefits of medication may take 4-6 weeks to manifest, and some individuals may need to explore different antidepressants to find an effective option.
Our specialists at WCWCW in Bethesda, Maryland, are dedicated to providing the compassionate care necessary to overcome the challenges posed by dysthymia. Reach out to our office or schedule an appointment online to discover how we can support your journey towards mental well-being. We ensure the same high-quality service through telehealth for individuals residing in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Michigan, and Florida.
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