Demystifying the DSM: Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder)

Dr. B here with our series on Demystifying the DSM. So, the next depressive disorder in the series is called persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia. In the clinic environment we often don't see people with Dysthymia. But maybe they've gotten into their late 20s, early 30s, and now they're going, “Gosh, I just, I've been depressed or down my whole life.” But don't meet criteria for major depressive disorder, have never had any severe depression where they felt like they needed treatment. But oftentimes, when we see them present, it’s in their late 20s and just Gosh I really can't get motivated to do things I've just had a poor appetite my whole life, low energy, fatigue, low self-esteem. I'm just getting through life. I'm not actually excelling. Life coaches might see Dysthymia disorder or people who are, you know, trying to motivate a crowd of people or individuals in the workplace. This is someone who is just kind of skating through life. Never really happy, but never really depressed either. A cartoon character would be like Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh. He would go out with his friends; he would do things. But he was never happy. And like I often tell people; you deserve to be happy. If you are listening to this and you're like, that's me, I've never really had like, truly happy moments, but I don't meet criteria for depression. I don't want to hurt myself, I'm functioning, I go to work, I do what I'm supposed to do. That could be a persistent depressive disorder, and oftentimes that is very well treated with just a low dose of an antidepressant, because theoretically, you have low neurotransmission, low serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine going on in your brain. And so, a low dose antidepressant is very successful with dysthymia. Again, you deserve to be happy.
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Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, Ed.D, PMHNP-BC --- A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Doctor of Healthcare Education has experienced unimaginable trials that have caused many feelings such as depression, anxiety, anger, & overwhelming stress. 
However, she has developed a new pathway to becoming Mentally Strong & Choosing to be Happy.  With purpose, Dr. B has developed the phases that were refined within the Mentally STRONG Method that she created and wants to share with you.

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