Posted by King Vultan on August 3, 2004, at 17:22:53
In reply to DYSTHYMIA-WHAT IS IT? TREATMENT?, posted by I cook for you on August 3, 2004, at 16:55:20
Yes, I have this (some of the time), but occasionally things will get so bad that I slip closer or into major depressive disorder, where I become more vegetative and can barely function. Dysthymia is basically a chronic, low grade depression that can persist for years. Mine has lasted over ten years, with various drug trials and ups and downs during that time. Treatment for dysthymia is similar to that for major depression, with antidepressants or talk therapy. There is a thought that various antidepressants are supposed to be better or worse for dysthymia, but I would not necessarily agree with that notion. I think it really depends on the individual case. Personally, I have tried two SSRIs, Effexor, Wellbutrin, three tricylics, a mild stimulant, Strattera, and an MAOI. I am presently tapering off the MAOI and going on to the other one in the antidepressant class that is still available in the US. I sure as heck hope your friend is able to obtain a successful remission of her symptoms in a (much) shorter time than I have. My guess is that she very likely will.
Todd
poster:King Vultan
thread:373712
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040730/msgs/373726.html