Download Dysthymic Disorder - Children`s Resource Group

9106 N. MERIDIAN STREET
SUITE 100
INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46260
TEL: (317) 575-9111
FAX: (317) 571-4470
www.childrensresourcegroup.com
Dysthymic Disorder
-Children’s Resource Group
Dysthymic disorder consists of a chronic feeling of unhappiness and irritability that can affect
the quality of life of children, as well as the lives of their family members who suffer from this
disorder. Dysthymic disorder is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and because of this, many
times will go untreated or under-treated. Learning the risk factors and the symptoms of DD can
help to prevent and treat children who are afflicted.
Diagnosis
Dysthymic disorder consists of a persistent state of low mood that is generally milder, but more
chronic, than major depressive disorder (MDD). In order to receive a diagnosis of DD a child’s
mood must be depressed or irritable on most days or most of the day for a period of one full year.
Any symptom free interval can last no longer than a two month time span. In addition to
feelings of depression, at least two of the following additional symptoms are apparent in the
afflicted child: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low
self-esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and a feeling of hopelessness.
Comorbidity
A child afflicted with dysthymic disorder will generally experience another disorder
simultaneously including ADHD, anxiety disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD),
social phobias and panic disorder. Due to feelings of chronic unhappiness, the young person
may be more at risk for substance abuse of alcohol or other illegal drugs in an attempt to self
medicate.
Treatment
There are treatment strategies that are successful when working with children afflicted with
dysthymic disorder. An evaluation of the patient is required before beginning a treatment plan
and normally consists of a series of interviews that are either conducted separately or collectively
with family members. Information from other resources such as teachers, primary-care
physicians and social services professionals are also helpful and usually necessary to gather
information about the child. Once the evaluation has been completed, a treatment plan can be
established that caters to the individual child.
Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy have both been found to be effective treatment strategies
for children with dysthymic disorder. Psychotherapy typically is the first treatment option;
however antidepressants are a consideration for patients suffering from a comorbid disorder, for
example bipolar disorder or major depression. Antidepressants are also a consideration for
patients who have not responded effectively to psychotherapy alone.
Outcome
Early detection and treatment of dysthymic disorder are both helpful to an afflicted child.
Recognition can help a child learn to discover healthy options to coping with DD and preemptive action may avert the development of other psychiatric disorders. Contact CRG or
another mental health professional if you have concerns that your child or loved one might suffer
from Dysthymic Disorder.