When a Minor Case of the Blues Lingers

If you can’t remember the last time you felt happy, you’re not alone. An estimated 3 out of 100 Americans suffer from a treatable form of ongoing depression called dysthymia (pronounced dis-THIM-ee-uh). Like other forms of depression, dysthymia afflicts more women than men. In addition to sadness, other symptoms include:

  • Chronic physical discomforts, including back and stomach pain
  • Difficulty sleeping, sleeping too much or fatigue
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Lack of self-esteem
  • Poor appetite or overeating
  • Poor concentration

Left untreated, dysthymia lasts a minimum of two years. Though it’s milder than major depression, this condition can still make it hard to function at home and work.

No one knows for sure what causes dysthymia. However, a woman faces a higher risk if she:

  • Has a family history of depression
  • Has a life-threatening or chronic illness
  • Is being treated with drugs that can cause depression, such as certain blood pressure medications, chemotherapy agents or corticosteroids
  • Suffers from alcoholism or substance abuse

Dysthymia can be difficult to pinpoint, because your depressed mood may lift for as long as two months at a time. Your family members and friends also may remain unaware that you’re depressed.

If you suspect you have dysthymia, talk to your doctor. A medical exam can rule out other reasons for lingering fatigue and depression, such as a thyroid problem. Dysthymia is usually treated with antidepressants, which you may need to take for several years to avoid a relapse. Talk therapy can help, too. One form of this type of therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which you learn healthier ways of thinking and behaving.

The journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics reports that newly recovered depressed and dysthymic adults often have a dietary deficiency of a B vitamin called folate. Researchers couldn’t say whether the folate deficiency was a cause or a consequence of the dysthymia. But consuming extra folate appeared to speed recovery. Folate-rich foods include leafy, green veggies, such as spinach and turnip greens; citrus fruits and juices; and dried peas and beans.
 
For More Information
To learn more about Sharp's mental health services or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego psychiatrist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about mental health, visit Mental Health Disorders in Adult Health or read the Mental Health News archive.