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.