Oftentimes,it takes the onset of double depression – and the pronounced feelingsof sadness that come along with it – for dysthymia patients to seektreatment. Because dysthymia poses slightly different treatmentmethods, it is important to seek the help of an experienced medicalprofessional that can properly diagnose the disorder.
Symptoms of Double Depression
Symptoms of double depression are quite similar to that of traditionaldepression. Really, the only difference is an underlying current ofprolonged dysthymia. As such, symptoms associated with dysthymiainclude:
Recurring feelings of sadness
Loss of interest in hobbies
Excessive eating
Disruption in sleep patterns
Feelings of guilt
Trouble concentrating
Thoughts of suicide
In order to properly diagnose double depression, a more long-terminventory of symptoms must be taken. Emotional and physical sideeffects that may indicate dysthymia prior to the onset of doubledepression are similar to bipolar disorder and include:
Irritability
Periods of lethargy and mania
Insomnia or hypersomnia
Pessimistic attitude
Treating Double Depression
Though the initial goal of treating double depression is to eliminatethe bout of major depression, long-term methods should also beinitiated to combat the underlying dysthymia. In both cases, excessivestress is a frequent contributor to feelings of sadness and othersymptoms. As such, the professional guidance of medical professionalsat a center for stress can often be beneficial. Seeking treatment froman independent psychiatrist is another common form of treatment.
Unlike traditional depression, double depression patients typically donot respond well to antidepressants. In fact, antidepressants may evenexacerbate problems by inducing a state of mania or speeding up thecycles between mania and depression. In this way, dysthymia is similarits more dramatic cousin – bipolar disorder.
Whatever thespecific course of treatment, the goal is to help the individualunderstand and manage the causes of his or her dysthymia. As such,stress management techniques, peer motivation and psychoanalysis arefrequently used in combination. Regional treatment centers such as theMidwest Center for Stress (http://www.stresscenter.com) offerspecialized programs that offer such comprehensive treatments.
