10 Concerns Associated With Dysthymia
Everyone experiences the occasional bout of sadness, whether the cause is a personal experience or something that has occurred on a broader scope. It becomes a problem when it starts to affect daily functioning and changes physical and mental wellbeing. That is when it becomes clinical depression, but if the condition continues to spiral downward for the long-term, a person is diagnosed with dysthymia or neurotic depression. Several key factors must be examined to find successful treatment plans.
10. Misdiagnoses
Apart from being misdiagnosed with normal sadness or clinical depression, there are a number of other serious conditions for which dysthymia is compared. Common misdiagnoses include the cluster group of Multiple sclerosis, lupus, Lyme Disease, fibromyalgia, thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and diabetes. Undiagnosed stroke, an over-diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, ADHD in adults, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, undiagnosed depression in teenagers, and undiagnosed anxiety disorders are other conditions often misdiagnosed as dysthymia.
9. Undiagnosed Anxiety Disorders
Some patients with depression may also display signs of anxiety disorders. Some symptoms include an overactive fight or flight response leading to a severe sense of panic, dread, distress, restlessness, apprehension, palpitations, chest pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle tension, and insomnia. If left undiagnosed, the depression could worsen, leading to dysthymia. The mood and behavior issues would further impact the individual to a state in which functioning on a day-to-day basis becomes difficult.
8. Undereating
Feelings associated with depression, including extreme sadness and worthlessness can easily affect a person’s eating habits. Lack of pleasure, low energy, and loss of interest in food or cooking can lead to a loss of interest in eating. Nausea can be a cause of loss of appetite if it is a simultaneous symptom. A sudden rapid weight loss can indicate a person is suffering severe depression or dysthymia, as can refusing to eat with others. This is a serious condition for the elderly who may already be frail.
7. Overeating
Some people engage in excessive behavior when dealing with emotional conditions. This includes overeating, which not only instigates the short-term consequences of feelings of guilt and anxiety but long-term effects of obesity and the medical issues associated with carrying extra weight. Emotional eating is associated with a person’s need to eat even when he or she is not hungry. As with undereating, overeating can exacerbate the person’s emotional state, driving them further into a deep depression.
6. Substance Abuse
Addiction is a common problem for people suffering from depression. Drugs and alcohol typically backfire on a person’s attempt to feel better and lift his or her spirits because they affect the central nervous system as a depressant and can lead to fatigue, sadness, and feelings of worthlessness. When addiction is combined with depression, the condition is classified as a Dual Diagnosis, typically seen in people with mental health disorders. It is clearly a widespread problem, with reports stating one in three adults with addiction also suffer depression.
5. Family Feuds
Depression not only affects the individual suffering from the condition, but it takes its toll on family members. Often family members want to reach out to help the affected relative, but he or she might not be ready and will respond in anger and frustration, causing conflict. Family members are encouraged to continue to be there for the individual because their support is critical and the support may be sought when the person is ready.
4. Studies Suffer
Regardless of age, students often feel there is a stigma surrounding depression and may shy away from seeking help. Although resources are available in schools, students may believe their symptoms are normal and harmless or do not want to be judged for seeking help. Some stress is beneficial in academics, but when it becomes life altering and leads to long-term depression, it can affect the desire to go to classes, the ability to focus, and a person’s overall health.
3. Work Performance Deteriorates
Depression can affect the way a person functions at work and how he or she copes with spending eight hours on the job. Concentration, learning ability, and decision-making skills are three of the leading issues impacted when a person loses his or her satisfaction with life. Work performance can quickly suffer if someone does not feel capable or fears losing his or her job. This might lead to withdrawing from coworkers and taking extra time off work, leading to a drop in income.
2. Life Becomes Unenjoyable
In studies on various mental health conditions, including chronic depression, quality of life takes into account physical health, the ability to function daily, economic status, and an overall sense of well-being. When depressed, a person’s entire quality of life is compromised and often more-so than examined in other mental health disorders. Anhedonia is the loss of interest in things previously enjoyed and can include hobbies, friends, work, food, and sex. Quality of life relies on a positive view of these things.
1. Suicide
Suicidal thoughts of a person should always be taken seriously. It is the most critical concern associated with dysthymia. Of those diagnosed with clinical depression or dysthymia, their illness is often accompanied by an addiction to drugs or alcohol. That combination increases the risk factors for suicide, which also include a family history of suicide, chronic illness, and physical or sexual abuse. Classic warning signs, such as repeatedly talking about death, feeling hopeless, or tying up loose ends should be monitored.