Download Discussing Treatment

Module 4
Discussing Treatment
Making Recommendations
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Module Description and Content Goals:
Given topics on depression and treatment explanation to patients; texts that are varied and of a specialized and medical
nature, which include information presented from dialogues and other sources (e.g. photographs, drawings, reference
text /research information), the participant will use English with 70 % accuracy to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Identify and pronounce correctly vocabulary related to depression and its treatment. (Vocabulary)
Identify and use gerunds.(Grammar)
Identify and use phrasal verbs and adjectives followed by prepositions. (Grammar, Speaking)
Listen for main ideas and details. (Listening)
Identify and use expressions to give advice. (Vocabulary, Speaking and Writing)
Identify and use the modal verbs of advisability. (Grammar, Speaking, Writing)
Make recommendations about lifestyle changes. (Speaking, Writing)
Identify lay terms that are used for some common medical terms. (Vocabulary)
Identify and describe various depression treatments. (Reading)
Identify dysthymia, its signs, symptoms and treatments. (Reading)
Module 4
ANSWER KEY
H4:1
WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS TO KNOW:
A. The following words will be used in the dialogue you are about to hear. Read the words and make sure you
understand all of them.
antidepressants
treatment
pain killers
magic cure
urinary retention
chronic migraines
pain relievers
muscle spasms
tension headaches
attainable goals
drowsy
tremors
counselor
side effects
weird
confused
blurred vision
sacrifice
fulfilling life
B. The following expressions will be used in the dialogue you are about to hear. Read them and then do the exercise
that follows. After completing Exercise D, go back to B and write the meaning of the expressions in the chart.
Expressions:
To suffer from depression
We could start you off with some antidepressant
medication.
Pills that will lift you up a bit
I am not really good at (See D Grammar Note 1 and 2)
I have a lot on my plate as it is.
To kill two birds with one stone.
Your energy level will perk up.
To be aware of side effects
To watch out for side effects
It may take up to 4 weeks before the medicine will
kick in.
If things are not settling down and you are not feeling
your usual self within that time…
To be in a better mood
To give up smoking, wine (or some other bad habit)
I can’t remember off the top of my head.
Pick up literature on the way out.
To get rid of headaches
You will start feeling better in no time
Easier said than done.
To be dependent upon drugs
A happy camper
Meaning
To experience, to have depression
The first thing we could give you is antidepressant
medication.
Pills that will improve your mood
able to do something well
I have a lot to deal with right now. I have a lot of things to
think about right now
To achieve two things with one action
Your energy level will perk up.
To know side effects
Watch for the side effects carefully so that you are ready
to deal with them when they happen
It may take up to 4 weeks before the medicine will start
working.
If things are not going to calm down and you are not get to
feeling like you used to feel before….
To feel happier
To stop/to quit smoking
If you provide the information off the top of your head,
you do it immediately without checking the facts.
Go get literature on the way out.
To take action so that you don’t have headaches anymore
You will start feeling better very soon.
Used to say that it would be difficult to actually do what
someone has suggested
To need (to rely on) drugs in order to feel good and stay
healthy
Someone who seems to be happy with his/her situation
C. Complete the sentences from the conversation you are about to hear using the words and
expressions above:
1. This medication does have some side effects I want you to be aware of. The pills will help you fall asleep, but they could leave
you feeling drowsy and confused in the morning. You may also have blurred vision, dry mouth, muscle spasms and increased urinary
retention.
2. I want you to know that it may take up to four weeks before the medicine kicks in and your symptoms start to improve.
3. I expect you to start feeling better sooner, but if things are not settling down and you’re not feeling your usual self within that
time, you should call the office and schedule another appointment.
4. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure for this condition.
5. Will you be able to give your wine up at night?
6. Hopefully, once you’re in a better mood and your sleep patterns improve, you will start feeling better in all aspects of your life:
your energy level will perk up, you’ll be able to concentrate better, you will be more productive and enjoy a happier, more fulfilling
life again.
7. Based on what you‘re telling me and on the questionnaire I gave you, I think you’re suffering from depression.
8. I am not really good at taking pills, doctor. I am very busy and have a lot on my plate as it is. I won’t remember to take them.
9. We could start you off with some antidepressant medication, you know, pills that will lift you up a bit.
10. I think these are all the major side effects, at least the ones that I can remember off the top of my head.
11. I often take painkillers to get rid of my headaches.
12. I like the second option a lot, and in combination with the pills, you will start feeling better in no time.
13. The counselor could help you deal with your feelings in a constructive way, and hopefully very soon you won’t be dependent
upon the drugs. You will be a happy camper again, the Ms. Sandler I’ve always known!
D. GRAMMAR NOTE I: Gerunds
A gerund is the –ing form of a verb. E.g. working, being, seeing
It can be used as a noun and, thus, as a subject or an object in a sentence.
E.g. I enjoy helping people. (object of the verb enjoy ) I like working at the hospital. (object of the verb
work)
Doing medical research can be really rewarding because it can help save people’s life. (subject)
I am interested in becoming a nurse. (object of a preposition in).
GRAMMAR NOTE II: to be good at
Gerunds or nouns are used after the preposition in the expression to be good at
to be good at + Gerund (verb+ing)
to be good at + Noun
E.g. I am not good at taking pills. I am good at Math. I am very good at taking care of the sick people.
Remember that at is the only preposition that can be used in this expression.
Write three things you are good at and three things you are not good at in the following chart. Then tell your partner
about your abilities.
Things I am good at
Things I am not good at
1. Answers will vary.
1. Answers will vary.
2.
2.
3.
3.
GRAMMAR NOTE III: Phrasal Verbs
Such expressions as to pick up, to give up and to kick in are called phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs are frequently used in
informal, non-technical speech. Such words consist of a verb and a particle (a small word such as up, off, in, etc.) that
together have a special meaning. E.g. give up something means “abandon, quit”, put up with something or somebody
means “to tolerate, to accept a bad situation or person without complaining”.
Phrasal verbs can be separable and inseparable.
If a phrasal verb is inseparable, the particle has only one position in the sentence. It immediately follows the verb. E.g. I
am suffering from migraines.
Watch out for the side effects when you take antidepressants.
I don’t feel good today. I think I am coming down with cold.
Separable phrasal verbs can be separated by a noun or a pronoun. If a pronoun is used, it must separate the parts of
the verb (come between the verb and the particle). A noun can either follow the particle or come between the verb and
the particle. E.g.
I can’t give up this habit.
I can’t give this habit up.
I can’t give it up.
I can’t give up it. – INCORRECT.
You are about to hear a dialogue which has a lot of phrasal verbs. Pay attention to how these structures are used.
While listening to this conversation, pay attention to the phrasal verbs used in it. Write them here. The first one ha
been done for you.
suffer from lift up
perk up
talk about
kick in
settle down
give up pick up
deal with
watch out
Modules 4
ANSWER KEY
H4:2
LISTENING:
A. Listening for Main Ideas.
Dr. Howell is explaining to Ms. Sandler her condition and treatment. Listen to their conversation and
answer the following questions:
1. What two treatment options does Dr. Howell suggest?

Elavil, antidepressant pills

seeing a counselor
2. Why doesn’t Ms. Sandler like the first option?
She is not very good at taking pills. She is very busy and is afraid she will forget to take them.
3. Why does the physician say that by taking Elavil they will kill two birds with one stone?
The medicine will improve Ms. Sandler’s mood and will also help her fall asleep when taken at night. It should
also provide some relief for her headaches.
4. What side effects should Ms. Sandler watch out for taking Elavil?
feeling drowsy and confused in the morning, blurred vision, dry mouth, muscle spasms and urinary retention
5. Why does Dr. Howell encourage his client to be patient?
There is not magic cure for her condition. It usually takes about 4 weeks before the medicine kicks in.
6. Why won’t the second option be as easy as the first one?
The second option will require her to make some lifestyle changes and to alter the way she thinks, eats and
reacts to stressors in her life. The physician suggests she sees a counselor to help her cope with this condition.
B.
Listen to the conversation again. Some of the words are missing. During each pause, fill in the blanks
with the words or phrases from the list.
fall asleep
suffer from
restless
magic cure
in no time
easier said than done
antidepressant
settling down
off the top of my head
pain relievers
fulfilling
lift you up
kicks in
chronic
stressors
spasms
good at
weird
tension
counselor
confused
on my plate
optimistic
pain killers
happy camper
increased
25mg
productive
give up
tremors
side effects
perk up
retention
sacrifice
be aware of
Dr. Howell: Well, Ms. Sandler, based on what you‘re telling me and based on the questionnaire I gave you, I think you’re
suffering from depression. There are a couple of options we can use here. We could start you off with some
antidepressant pills, you know, pills that will lift you up a bit.
Ms. Sandler: I am not really good at taking pills, doctor. I am very busy and have a lot on my plate as it is. I won’t
remember to take them.
Dr. Howell: Well, you won’t have to take too many pills throughout the day. There will be only two tablets, 25 mg each.
You will take one in the morning and one at night – at breakfast and before you go to bed, so it shouldn’t be difficult.
You want to get better, right? These pills may actually make you less forgetful and may help you organize your life. They
will also help you fall asleep. So, in reality we’re killing two birds with one stone here.
Ms. Sandler: Twice a day is not that bad I guess. I think I can do that.
Dr. Howell: Good. Hopefully, once you’re in a better mood and your sleep patterns improve, you will start feeling better
in all aspects of your life: your energy level will perk up, you’ll be able to concentrate better, you will be more
productive and enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life again.
Ms. Sandler: What kind of pills are you talking about? Are there any side effects I should watch out for?
Dr. Howell: That’s an excellent question, Ms. Sandler. The medication is called Elavil. Yes, it does have some side effects
that I want you to be aware of. The pills will help you fall asleep, but they could leave you feeling drowsy and confused
in the morning. You may also have blurred vision, dry mouth, muscle spasms and increased urinary retention.
Ms. Sandler: Muscle spasms and urinary retention? I am not sure I know what you are talking about.
Dr. Howell: Well, muscle spasms or tremors are when you have restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw or
neck, uncontrollable shaking, you know. Urinary retention is inability to empty your bladder completely. These are the
most common side effects, but it doesn’t mean you will develop all of them. I want you to call the office if you have any
strange or weird symptoms.
Ms. Sandler: And how long would you like me to take this medication?
Dr. Howell: I want you to know that it may take up to 4 weeks before this medicine kicks in and your symptoms start to
improve. I expect you to start feeling better sooner, but if things are not settling down and you are not feeling your
usual self within that time, you should call the office and schedule another appointment.
Ms. Sandler: Four weeks is a long time. Well, I guess it took me a while to get so bad, it will take some time to get better
now.
Dr. Howell: Yes, Ms. Sandler. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure for this condition. You have to be patient. I do
believe you will see changes a lot sooner. Let’s be optimistic here. Another important thing I need to tell you about is
alcohol. I know that you like to have a little wine before you go to bed, but I am afraid you won’t be able to do it any
longer. It can cause dangerous side effects when taken together with Elavil. Will you be able to give your wine up at
night?
Ms. Sandler: Well, I was only having a little wine at night because I thought it would help me sleep better. If the pill does
the job, I won’t need the wine. I don’t have to have it, so it’s not a sacrifice.
Dr. Howell: Great. That’s good to hear. I think these are all the major side effects, at least the ones that I can remember
off the top of my head… You can read about the rest if you pick up the literature from the nurse’s station on the way
out. The nurse will also give you some Elavil samples so you could start the treatment. That’s about all I wanted to tell
you about this drug. Do you have any questions?
Ms. Sandler: Yes, Dr. Howell. I often take pain killers to get rid of my headaches. Will it be OK to take both of these pills
together?
Dr. Howell: That’s another great question. I have one more wonderful thing about this drug to share. Elavil is known to
treat chronic migraines and tension headaches, so you may not need to take any pain relievers after all. Let’s see how
you will do with this treatment.
Ms. Sandler: You’ve mentioned at the beginning that we have two options treating my condition. I know the first one,
but what’s the second option?
Dr. Howell: Yes, there is another way to treat your problem that I wanted to talk to you about. It won’t be as easy and
simple as taking a pill; it does require some work. However, I like the second option a lot, and in combination with the
medication, you will start feeling better in no time.
Ms. Sandler: How much work are you talking about?
Dr. Howell: There are a few things about your lifestyle we should address. You could really help yourself if you change
the way you think, eat and react to the stressors in your life.
Ms. Sandler: If I could do that, I wouldn’t have gotten here in the first place.
Dr. Howell: I know … easier said than done. How would you feel about seeing a counselor? He could help you deal with
your feelings in a constructive way, and hopefully very soon you won’t be dependent upon the drugs. You will be a
happy camper again, the Ms. Sandler I’ve always known!
Compare your notes with a partner. Listen to the conversation again. During each pause, repeat the phrase or
sentence you just heard. Then read the dialogue with your partner using proper pronunciation and intonation.
Module 4
ANSWER KEY
H4:3
SPEAKING and WRITING: Making Recommendations
A. Use the following expressions to give advice:
1. You should/You ought to + VERB
10. Have you thought about + GERUND/NOUN
2. You had better + VERB
11. How about + GERUND/NOUN
3. Try to + VERB
12. What about + GERUND/NOUN
4. I recommend you to + VERB
5. I advise you to + VERB
6. Maybe you could + VERB
7. Why don’t you + VERB
8. One thing you could do is + VERB
9. It might be a good idea to + VERB
B. Grammar Note: Modals of advisability SHOULD/OUGHT TO/HAD BETTER
SHOULD/OUGHT TO/HAD BETTER have basically the same meaning. They mean: “This is a good idea. This is a good
advice.”
Affirmative forms:
SHOULD + Verb (Notice: no “to”)
OUGHT TO + Verb
HAD BETTER +Verb
HAD BETTER usually implies a warning about possible bad consequences and it is usually contracted in speaking.
E.g. I don’t feel good today. I think I am coming down with something. – You’d better call in sick and stay home. (If
you don’t, you will get worse and infect the whole office).
Negative forms:
SHOULDN’T + Verb
HAD BETTER NOT + Verb
OUGHT TO is usually not used in the negative.
E.g. You shouldn’t make any major decisions until the depression is lifted.
You’d better not use sugar for coffee or tea if you have diabetes.
C. Ms. Sandler is going to see a counselor, Mr. Briggs. The following are the lifestyle changes the counselor is
going to recommend to the depressed patient:
1. Reduce stress by getting adequate sleep, rest and recreation.
2. Eat a well-balanced healthy diet that is low in fat, high in fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals.
3. Avoid being alone too much. Share your feelings with family members and friends.
4. Change your negative thinking to positive. For instance, use the word “stop” when your thinking is negative or
make a list of five positive things about yourself.
5. Take up a new hobby or engage in a new activity.
6. Try to get a regular physical exercise.
7.
Set goals that are attainable. List things that need to be done. Break large ones into smaller ones and set
priorities.
8. Be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to get well overnight.
9. Be kind to yourself. Respect who you are.
10. Increase social and spiritual support.
11. Postpone making any major life decisions until the depression is lifted.
D. Choose six most important recommendations and make sentences using the expressions of
advice. Expand each recommendation by explaining what you mean and providing examples. Try to use as
many expressions of advice as you can. Follow the example:
E.g. 1. You should avoid being alone so much. One thing you could do is telephone one friend or family member a
day to discuss how your day has been and other social things. How about going out for dinner with your son or your
friends rather than eating some fast food that you pick up on the way home from work?
2. In order not to be overwhelmed during the day, I advise you to list things that need to be done. Then you
could break them down into smaller ones and set the priorities.
Answers will vary.
1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
5. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
E. Role-play the dialogue between Ms. Sandler and the counselor. Use the recommendations listed above. Use
the expressions of giving advice.
Module 4
ANSWER KEY
H4:4
COMMUNICATION TIP: Most patients do not have medical knowledge. Explanations should be given in language the
patient will understand, avoiding medical jargon. Using lay terms – words familiar to people without medical knowledge
– can help patients understand explanations. Here is the list of common lay terms for conditions, medications and parts
of the body.
A.
Listen to these words and then repeat them.
Medical Term
hypertension
insomnia
antidepressants
diuretics
oral contraceptives
benign
malignant
myocardial infarction
cerebrovascular accident
fractured neck of femur
arrhythmia
dysarthria
dyslexia
dismenorrhea
dyspareunia
dyspepsia
dysphagia
dysphasia
dyspnea
dysthymia
dystrophy
dysuria
hyperglycemia
hypoglycemia
polydipsia
polyphagia
polyuria
umbilicus
patella
mandible
thorax
abdomen
nocturia
hematuria
hematemesis
angina
Lay Term
high blood pressure
trouble with sleeping
medication to improve your mood
water pills
birth control pills
not due to cancer or infection
due to cancer
heart attack
stroke
broken hip
palpitations; abnormal heart rhythm
slurred speech
difficulty in using and comprehending written language
difficult or painful monthly flow (menses or menstruation)
painful intercourse
difficulty in digestion, indigestion
difficulty swallowing
impairment of speech caused by a brain lesion
difficult or uncomfortable breathing
a less severe type of depression that involves long-term,
chronic symptoms that do not disable but keep an
individual from functioning well or feeling good.
faulty muscular development caused by lack of
nourishment
difficult or painful urination
conditions of excessive blood sugar in the blood
conditions of deficient blood sugar in the blood
excessive thirst
extreme hunger
frequent urination
belly button, navel
kneecap
jaw
chest
belly, tummy
excessive urination during night
presence of blood in the urine
vomiting of blood
chest pain
B. Match the medical terms with the ordinary English words. The first one is done for you.
1. Dyspnea
14 a. stroke
2. Patella
15 b. a less severe type of depression
3. Nocturia
16 c. high blood pressure
4. Hypoglycemia
12 d. tummy
5. Myocardial infraction
17 e. jaw
6. Diuretics
10
f. not due to cancer or infection
7. Polydipsia
13
g. painful menses
8. Umbilicus
11
h. excessive hunger
9. Dyspepsia
2
i. kneecap
10. Benign
5
j. heart attack
11. Polyphagia
4
k. low blood sugar
12. Abdomen
6
l. water pills
13. Dysmenorrhea
7
m. excessive thirst
14. Cerebrovascular accident
3
n. excessive urination at night
15. Dysthymia
9
o. indigestion
16. Hypertension
8
p. belly button
17. Mandible
1
q. difficult breathing
Module 4
ANSWER KEY
H4:5
READING: Read the text about various treatments available for depression and then answer the questions that follow.
Treatments for Depression
Depression's forms and symptoms vary from person to person, and so does its treatment. What works for one person
may not work for another. Clinical depression is highly treatable and more than 80 percent of people who are treated
show improvement.
Carl Purcell/Three Lion/Getty Images
Electroconvulsive therapy is often misunderstood.
This patient was treated at Hillside Mental Hospital circa 1955.
Effective and common treatments for major and chronic depression are antidepressant medications to relieve
symptoms and psychotherapy to learn effective coping methods, or a combination of the two.
Antidepressant medications help to normalize levels of mood-regulating chemicals in the brain, specifically
neurotransmitters called serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.
The newest types of antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), known commercially as Prozac,
Paxil and Zoloft, among others. Also commonly prescribed are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
(SNRIs), known to us as Effexor and Cymbalta. SSRIs and SNRIs generally have fewer side effects than the more
established tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are known to have food and drug interactions.
One type of antidepressant may work better than another from person to person, and doctors encourage patients to try
different forms until the right one is found.
Antidepressants are taken regularly for at least four weeks (in some cases eight weeks) before improvement is noticed,
and it usually takes six to 12 months for complete therapeutic effect. In cases of severe or chronic depression, long-term
treatment may be needed.
Psychotherapy is typically used in conjunction with medication, although for mild cases of depression, it may be best
used solo. In psychotherapy, also known also as talk therapy, people speak with a mental health professional about
ways to deal with their depression and symptoms, thoughts of suicide and other problems. There are two main types of
psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT). CBT teaches people new ways of
thinking and behaving, whereas IBT helps people understand and work on personal relationships that may be
contributing to their depression.
One of the most misunderstood therapies used to treat severe depression is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). ECT is
used when medications and psychotherapy are not effective, usually in suicidal patients, patients who experience
treatment-resistant depression or patients who suffer from depression and mania. Formerly known as shock therapy,
ECT has improved since the 1940s and 1950s when stories of misuse and controversy were in the media. During
treatment, a patient is given a muscle relaxant and anesthesia. Electrodes are affixed at specific placements on the head
and are used to deliver electrical impulses of about 30 seconds, causing a seizure within the brain. ECT is usually given
three times per week for several sessions.
For people looking for more natural remedies, St. John's Wort and other alternatives such as acupuncture, herbal
remedies, biofeedback, massage and yoga have been gaining increased attention in the last several years. In recent
scientific studies, St. John's Wort proved effective for mild depression, but acted no better than a placebo when treating
major depression.
Exercise and Mental Health
We all know that exercise will help keep us healthy. It keeps
blood pressure low and diabetes and other diseases at bay. Did
you know that it can also help improve symptoms of depression
and other mood disorders?
By incorporating 30 minutes of physical activity into your day,
three to five days a week, you can improve your mood and
reduce anxiety. While it's not a cure, research suggests that
exercise raises levels of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in
the brain, releases endorphins and reduces levels of the stress
hormone, cortisol.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health at http://health.howstuffworks.com/depression.htm ,Colenso, Maria. "How Depression Works." 12 May 2008.
1. Name the three mood-regulating chemicals in the brain.
serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine
2. Name the four types of antidepressants. Which ones have fewer side effects?

serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs),

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

tricyclics

monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
SSRIs and SNRIs generally have fewer side effects than the more established tricyclics and monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs), which are known to have food and drug interactions.
3. What is psychotherapy? Name the two types of psychotherapy.
In psychotherapy, also known also as talk therapy, people speak with a mental health professional about ways to deal
with their depression and symptoms, thoughts of suicide and other problems. There are two main types of
psychotherapy: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
4. What is the difference between cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)?
CBT teaches people new ways of thinking and behaving, whereas IBT helps people understand and work on personal
relationships that may be contributing to their depression.
5. When is Electroconvulsive Therapy used and why is it misunderstood?
Electroconvulsive therapy is used to treat severe cases of depression. ECT is administered when medications and
psychotherapy are not effective, usually in suicidal patients, patients who experience treatment-resistant depression or
patients who suffer from depression and mania. Formerly known as shock therapy, ECT has improved since the 1940s
and 1950s when stories of misuse and controversy were in the media. During treatment, a patient is given a muscle
relaxant and anesthesia.
6. Why can exercise improve your mood and reduce anxiety?
Exercise raises levels of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain, releases endorphins and reduces levels of the
stress hormone, cortisol.
Photo compliments of Microsoft clipart
Module 4
ANSWER KEY
H4:6
READING: Read the text about dysthymia, a milder form of depression, and answer the questions that follow.
Dysthymia
Dysthymia (the Greek roots of the word mean “bad state of mind” or “ill humor”) is a disorder with similar but longerlasting and milder symptoms than clinical depression. By the standard psychiatric definition, this disorder lasts for at
least two years, but is less disabling than major depression; for example, victims are usually able to go on working and
do not need to be hospitalized.
About three percent of the population will suffer from dysthymia at some time - a rate slightly lower than the rate of
major depression. Like major depression, dysthymia occurs twice as often in women as it does in men. It is also more
common among the poor and the unmarried. The symptoms usually appear in adolescence or young adulthood but in
some cases do not emerge until middle age.
The warning signs of dysthymia are: poor school/work performance; social withdrawal; shyness; irritable hostility
conflicts with family and friends; physiological abnormalities; sleep irregularities; parents with major depression.
At least three-quarters of people with dysthymia have some other psychiatric or medical disorder as well.
Dysthymia can be controlled by therapy and medications. Psychotherapy or cognitive therapy (also known as “talk
therapy”) is used to alter people’s self-defeating thoughts. Behavioral therapy may help people learn how to act in a
more “positive approach” to life and to communicate better with friends, family, and co-workers. Tricyclic
antidepressants, the standard treatment for major depression, may be prescribed to treat dysthymia.
In many cases, the symptoms are hard to recognize and classify, and the response to treatment is unpredictable. Most
people with dysthymia see only their family doctor, who may misdiagnose them, especially if the main complaints are
physical. Many people do not think of themselves as depressed, and are relieved to be told they have a treatable illness.
Unfortunately, mental health professionals are usually consulted only when major depression develops, although
dysthymia alone may lead to alcoholism or suicide. Even when it is recognized, dysthymia is difficult to treat. The longer
a depression lasts the slower the recovery.
Source: http://www.howstuffworks.com/framed.htm?parent=depression.htm&url=http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/depression
1. What is dysthymia?
Dysthymia is a disorder with similar but longer-lasting and milder symptoms than clinical depression.
2. How common is it?
About three percent of the population suffers from dysthymia - a rate slightly lower than the rate of major
depression. It occurs twice as often in women as it does in men. It is also more common among the poor and the
unmarried. The symptoms usually appear in adolescence or young adulthood but in some cases do not emerge
until middle age.
3. What are the warning signs of dysthymia?
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Poor school/work performance
Social withdrawal
Shyness
Irritable hostility
Conflicts with family and friends
Physiological abnormalities
Sleep irregularities
Parents with major depression
4. What are the treatments available for dysthymia?
Psychotherapy and medications
5. Why is dysthymia often misdiagnosed?
It is misdiagnosed because the symptoms are hard to recognize and classify. Most people with dysthymia see
only their family doctor, who may misdiagnose them, especially if the main complaints are physical. Many
people do not think of themselves as depressed, and are relieved to be told they have a treatable illness.