What treatment options are available to those with dysthymia?
Dysthymia is commonly treated with a combination of self-help, therapy and antidepressant medications. The success in treating this disorder with antidepressants leads many medical experts to believe that this dysthymia has a genetic component; however the causes of this condition are largely debated. The major antidepressants that are used to treat dysthymia belong to the category of SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. These include: Zoloft, Paxil and Effexor. In some cases, the dosages given to a person with dysthymic disorder are higher than those given to people with more major depressions. Perhaps, that is due to the chronic and lengthy nature of the condition. Regardless, most people do report a significant improvement within two to three months after beginning antidepressant therapies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) shows patients how to change self-defeating behaviors and disturbing thought patterns while replacing them with more positive and productive ways
