Dysthymia, sometimes referred to as chronic depression, is a less severe form of depression. With dysthymia, the depression symptoms can linger for a long period of time, perhaps two years or longer. Those who suffer from dysthymia are usually able to function adequately but might seem consistently unhappy.

Alternative Therapies for Depression

There is no evidence that any alternative treatment is effective for treating moderate to severe depression. For some people, however, they may be used as an addition to other treatments -- providing relaxation, relief from depressive symptoms, and helping you cope with some of the causes of depression such as grief, anxiety, changing roles, and even physical pain. If you have depression and are considering using an alternative form of therapy, it is important to seek the advice of your healthcare provider.

What is Alternative Therapy?
A health treatment that is not classified as standard western medical practice is referred to as "alternative" or "complementary." Alternative therapy encompasses a variety of disciplines that include everything from diet and exercise to mental conditioning and lifestyle changes. Examples of alternative therapies include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and many others.

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What Causes Dysthymia?

Experts are not sure what causes dysthymia. This form of chronic depression is thought to be related to brain changes that involve serotonin, a chemical or neurotransmitter that aids your brain in coping with emotions. Major life stressors, chronic illness, medications, and relationship or work problems may also increase the chances of dysthymia.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dysthymia?

The symptoms of dysthymia are the same as those of major depression but not as intense and include the following:

Persistent sad or empty feeling
Difficulty sleeping (sleeping too much or too little)
Insomnia (early morning awakening)
Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
Feelings of guilt
Loss of interest or the ability to enjoy oneself
Loss of energy or fatigue
Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite)
Observable mental and physical sluggishness
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
Thoughts of death or suicide

Is Dysthymia Common in the U.S.?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10.9 million Americans aged 18 and older are affected by dysthymia. While not disabling like major depression, dysthymia can keep you from feeling your best and functioning optimally. Dysthymia can begin in childhood or in adulthood and seems to be more common in women.

How Is Dysthymia Diagnosed?

A mental health specialist generally makes the diagnosis based on the person's symptoms. In the case of dysthymia, these symptoms will have lasted for a longer period of time and be less severe than in patients with major depression.

With dysthymia, your doctor will want to make sure that the symptoms are not a result of substance abuse or a medical condition, such as hypothyroidism. Also, the depression and other symptoms should cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of your life.

If you are depressed and have had depressive symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor or a psychiatrist. Your provider will perform a thorough medical evaluation, paying particular attention to your personal and family psychiatric history.

There is no blood, X-ray or other laboratory test that can be used to diagnose dysthymia.

How Is Dysthymia Treated?

While dysthymia is a serious illness, it’s also very treatable. As with any chronic illness, early diagnosis and medical treatment may reduce the intensity and duration of depression symptoms and also reduce the likelihood of a relapse.

To treat dysthymia, doctors may use psychotherapy (counseling), medications such as antidepressants, or a combination of these therapies. Often, dysthymia can be treated by a primary care physician.

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WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic