Diagnosis of dysthymic disorder

Accurate diagnosis of dysthymic disorders at an early stage is important. American Psychiatric Association has developed the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, according to which for the diagnosis of dysthymia adult must show signs of depression Depression - a little more than a bad mood   during two years. For young children and teenagers, this period is one year.

For the diagnosis of dysthymic disorder doctor needs to examine the patient's medical history, to take into account the symptoms of other mental disorders have appeared over the past few months. Such symptoms should not be a consequence of alcohol or drugs, disease or other mental disorder.

Treatment of dysthymia

Any type of depression is curable, and dysthymia - is no exception. With accurate diagnosis dysthymic disorder is easily treatable, but if left untreated the disorder can develop into a much more serious form of clinical depression, lead to the fact that a person becomes a threat to himself or others.

The most effective type of treatment is considered to be a combined approach - psychotherapy combined with antidepressants. Specific treatment dysthymic disorder, however, varies depending on the patient.

Medications: There are different classes of antidepressants that are effective in the treatment of dysthymic disorder. Taking into account the physical and mental health of the patient, the doctor will determine the most effective type and dose of drugs. Taking such drugs should be for at least 6-9 months. Such antidepressants like Zoloft, Paxil and Effexor, belong to a class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These drugs can increase energy levels and normalize the patient's mood. All antidepressants are safe, do not contribute to the emergence of addiction and minimize the symptoms of dysthymia within 1-2 months after the start of the reception.

Psychotherapy : Various types of psychotherapy - individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family therapy - designed to provide emotional support to a person suffering from dysthymic disorder. The therapist sets the emotional contact with the patient, helping him to develop the necessary skills to cope with life's problems and to function properly in all areas of life.

Self-help In most cases, even small changes in lifestyle can significantly improve the condition of a person suffering from dysthymic disorder: a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.

How to overcome dysthymic disorder

Take this state and be assured of successful healing with time.

• Do not disregard medical advice, do not miss the appointed time receiving medications, follow your doctor's recommendations.
• Take time to relax and rest.
• Take help from relatives. Set realistic goals in life.
• Postpone important decisions until then, until you feel ready.
• Stay optimistic.

Possible disease in chronic alcoholism

Podagra

Gout - a painful condition caused by the formation of uric acid crystals Uric acid - a normal level?   joints. Although the disease is often hereditary, alcohol and other dietary factors also have a certain effect on the development in the gout Gout - the "disease of kings" . It is believed that alcohol exacerbates existing symptoms of the disease.

High blood pressure

Alcohol can cause disorders of the sympathetic nervous system, which, among other things, controls the contraction and expansion of blood vessels in response to stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis Changes in temperature, exercise and so on. Alcoholism - and especially chronic - often the cause of high blood pressure. Over time, this effect becomes constant. High blood pressure leads to many other health problems, including kidney, heart, including heart attack may result.

Infectious diseases

Abuse of alcohol suppresses the immune system, opening the "loophole" infections such as tuberculosis Tuberculosis - a full recovery is not guaranteed , Pneumonia, HIV / AIDS and other diseases, sexually transmitted infections (and some of them lead to infertility), also strongly drinkers often have unsafe sex. People who abuse alcohol are three times more likely to become infected with diseases that are sexually transmitted.

Nerve Damage

Alcohol abuse can cause a form of nerve damage as alcoholic neuropathy, which can manifest itself in the form of painful tingling or numbness in the extremities, muscle weakness, incontinence, constipation, erectile dysfunction and other problems. Alcoholic neuropathy is caused by the fact that alcohol acts on nerve cells as a poison, or due to lack of nutrients in the body, typical of drinking people with impaired function of the nervous system.

Pancreatitis

In addition to the irritation of the stomach (gastritis), alcohol can cause pancreatitis. Chronic pancreatitis interferes with the digestive system, causing severe stomach pain and incessant diarrhea. And this disease is incurable. In some cases, the development of chronic pancreatitis cause gallstones, but about 60% of cases are due to alcohol abuse.