Persistent depressive disorder does not always respond to pharmacological treatment, chronic apathy, despair and mood swings have a much more complex origin than is often imagined, in this way the neuropsychology of dysthymia reminds us that this condition is linked to a series of brain processes and social situations that we must take into account.
When you look at the incidence of dysthymia in the population, there is one detail that we cannot ignore, clinical studies indicate that this disorder affects about 5% of the population, especially women, however, if there is something that experts know well, There are many people who live all their lives with this psychopathological disease unknowingly and without asking for help , this chronic indefinition and discouragement occurs in such a way that it is very likely that the incidence data will be even greater than we think today.
- Dysthymia or.
- According to the most recent nomenclature.
- Persistent depressive disorder.
- Is characterized by discouragement.
- Tiredness and recurrent sadness.
- States that can last for years.
However, it should be noted that since the last volume of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), the term has shifted from dysthymia to persistent depressive disorder, a change that has not changed scientists’ interest in the subject. The objective of the medical and scientific community is to be able to define and better understand this condition, we are facing a much more benign disease than major depression, yet and given the great difficulty in treating this condition, is common for many. patients end up developing other mental disorders or disorders at some point.
It was psychiatrist Robert Spitzer who, in the 1960s, invented, defined and dissected this clinical state, differentiating it from other medical terms that did not define it perfectly, until this celebrated expert tried to improve and refine the classification of mental illness, dysthymia. it was more related to a specific personality type and defined people who have a more depressive, neurotic and weak-minded lifestyle.
From the 1960s to the present day, persistent depressive disorder continues to be redefined and better defined to reach the root of the problem, what we know today is that for a person to receive this diagnosis they must meet the following classification characteristics:
When a person is diagnosed, what they feel is usually a great relief, and this happens for a very obvious reason. Some have dragged this shadow with them since adolescence, a void that is part of life and constantly penetrates through an ajar door to take down the person with a persistent smell of sadness that envelops everything around him.
The neuropsychology of dysthymia says that this condition has an origin, it is thought that the stress and increase it generates from catecholamines and hormones like cortisol affect our ability to regulate mood.
We came here knowing what neuropsychology tells us about dysthymia. The question now is: what causes these areas related to this disorder to stop working as they should, so what can we do to get them back to normal?Since these states extend over time and do not always respond to drug treatment, it is necessary to continue to deepen knowledge on these issues.
We already know, for example, that there is an inherited and genetic component, hence the feeling of isolation or of having suffered a loss or the mere fact of not feeling useful at any given time generates these chronic states of suffering. dysthymia says many patients get better when new life projects begin. Simply changing your life and feeling involved in something or someone already generates a lot of positive progress, and that brings a lot of hope.
We’re not giving up. As we learn more about these disorders, we will be able to give better answers, so far we will be with this: dysthymia is treatable and, with good psychotherapeutic approach intervention, we can overcome it.