Dysthymia in Children as a Depressive Disorder

Dysthymia in Children as a Depressive Disorder GAD Treatment Print Dysthymia in Children as a Depressive Disorder By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 24, 2020 Depression Overview Types Symptoms Causes & Risk Factors Diagnosis Treatment Coping ADA & Your Rights Depression in Kids JPCreative / Getty Images Dysthymia, also known as dysthymic disorder or DD, is a milder but chronic depressive disorder that is sometimes seen in children. The Course of Dysthymia Like other depressive disorders, the course of dysthymia varies in children. While the DSM-IV criteria require a child to experience symptoms for at least one year to be diagnosed with dysthymia, the median dysthymic episode for children is 3.9 years. Approximately 3 percent of children meet the criteria for dysthymia. However, some researchers argue that an even higher percentage of children have DD. The chronic nature of dysthymia makes it easy for parents to mistakenly attribute the symptoms to a childs personality. Children with DD may not complain of feeling depressed or sad because they do not recognize their mood as being different from what they normally feel. Symptoms Symptoms of DD are similar to those of major depressive disorder, but are less severe and are less likely to impair daily functioning. Symptoms of Dysthymic Disorder in Children Depressed moodSadnessFeelings of hopelessness and/or worthlessnessWithdrawal from friends and familyLow self-esteemEating or sleeping pattern changesUnexplained physical ailmentsLack of concentrationThoughts or action of self-harm or suicideInability to experience pleasure or joyIrritabilityRestlessness or fatigue Despite the milder symptoms of dysthymia, it is still thought that its chronic nature may interfere with a childs development of interpersonal relationships, positive self-esteem, and problem-solving skills. Signs Your Child Is Depressed Recovery and Double Depression Recovery for children with dysthymia is likely. However, the majority of children will have another dysthymic episode in the future. Approximately 75 percent of children who experience a dysthymic episode will also experience a major depressive episode, a shorter but more severe depressive disorder. When a child who has dysthymia experiences a major depressive episode, the combination is called double depression. Factors that may increase a childs likelihood of developing double depression were identified by Dr. Daniel Klein and colleagues in a 10-year follow-up of children with dysthymia. Identified risk factors were: First dysthymic episode at a young ageCo-existing anxiety disorderStrong family history of major depressive disorderPoor early relationship with motherHistory of sexual abuseUnderlying personality disorder It has been noted that children with double depression may have shorter episodes of major depressive disorder. According to Dr. Kovacs and colleagues, this is because it is easier for a child to return to a baseline mood of dysthymia, or mild depressive symptoms, than a baseline with no presence of depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, all depressive disorders require treatment in children. What Parents Should Know About Childhood Depression Seeking Help Like other depressive disorders, dysthymic disorder is associated with serious short- and long-term consequences, such as poor academic and social performance, substance abuse, and increased risk of suicide. Of course, not all children with dysthymia will experience negative outcomes, but given the association, treatment is recommended. Treatment options for children with dysthymia are typically psychotherapy, medication, or a combination approach. Be sure to talk to your childs pediatrician or other mental health providers if she has symptoms of dysthymia or another depressive disorder. Depressive disorders should never be left untreated in children. The Consequences of Untreated Childhood Depression