Things Everyone Should Know About Dysthymic Disorder

Long-Term Effects

If untreated, dysthymia can lead to an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts or actions. However, dysthymia patients are more likely than those with depression to make nonfatal attempts to receive treatment. Adolescents are especially at risk for decreased academic performance, drug and alcohol abuse, unwanted sexual encounters, as well as increased levels of relational dysfunction (at home, with friends, or with romantic partners). Furthermore, dysthymic disorder is associated with high unemployment rates, chronic pain, sleeping disorders, health complications, and mental or physical disability. In one long-term study, seventy-six percent of children with dysthymic disorder developed major depression, and thirteen percent developed bipolar disorder over twelve years.

The Difference Between Dysthymia And Depression

Despite its characterization as a milder form of depression, recent studies have concluded dysthymia can have severe consequences. Dysthymic disorder is characterized by earlier onset, greater withdrawal, and stronger feelings of pessimism or inadequacy than major depressive disorder, but fewer changes in sleep patterns, and less drastic weight loss or gain. While some causes of dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder overlap, severe depression is more likely to be the product of a sudden or violent loss; domestic, childhood, or sexual abuse; or experiencing war or another intensely traumatic event or series of events. As a result, depressed individuals have more severe and noticeable symptoms than those with dysthymic disorder.