Dysthymia
You hear a lot about depression, but what if your teen seems to always be depressed? They seem to always feel down, like this is their normal state. The chronic and milder form of depression is called dysthymia.
Stereotypically this is your goth teen. The sad appearance, low energy, poor concentration, over or under eating, feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem and difficulty sleeping possibly with insomnia are all diagnostic criteria for dysthymia. Many of which are criteria for depression as well. These teens may be in this state for at least a year before someone considers this diagnosis.
Unlike depressed teens who may be sad for some time, dysthymia seems to go on for longer periods of time as if the sadness or depression was their personality.
If you recognize the signs of dysthymia in your teen, it is still important to seek treatment. Dysthymia although milder than depression can still be a risk for suicide and that is the third leading cause of death in teens. Treatment can include, but is not limited to counseling, medication or both.
Treatment of dysthymia especially with medication may take longer to take effect and once in effect take longer to resolve the disorder. Dysthymia can resolve and return at a later point in your teen’s life so it is important that they know what to do about seeking early treatment especially if it affects their daily functioning.
The best places to seek treatment are your doctor’s office, clergy or school who may have suggestions for referrals to mental health workers.
Related posts:
Loading ...