Persistent Depressive Disorder And Dysthymia: Is There A Cure?

Persistent depressive disorder does not always respond to a medication-based approach. The chronic apathy, hopelessness and depressive moods have a more complex origin than we would have thought. When we use neuropsychology for the study of dysthymia , it reminds us that this condition is related to a series of brain processes and social situations that we must take into account.

When we consider the prevalence of dysthymia worldwide, we find something we can not ignore. Clinical studies tell us that this disorder affects around 5% of the population, especially women. Specialists know for a fact that there are many people who live their lives in constant suffering but do not take the step to ask for help. This helplessness and discouragement becomes so chronic that it is very likely that this percentage is greater than we think.

On the other hand, since the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) changed the term “dysthymia” to ” persistent depressive disorder “, they have not stopped conducting more and more research on the condition. The medical and scientific community aims to be able to define and understand this condition much better.

It is a much milder disease than severe depression. However , given the difficulty of treating this condition, it is common for many patients, at some point, to end up developing other conditions and mental disorders.

Neuropsychology and dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder)

In the 1960s, psychiatrist Robert Spitzer named and defined this clinical condition. What he did was separate it from terms that he found did not accurately describe the condition. Before Spitzer conducted this study to improve the classification of mental illness, dysthymia was considered a type of personality, not a disease. People were described as depressed, neurotic and weak-minded.

From the 1960s until today, experts continue to refine their findings on persistent depressive disorder to get to the root of the problem. Today, in order for a person to receive this diagnosis, the following qualification conditions must be met:

• Depressive mood rent with a minimum duration of 2 years.

They must suffer from at least two of the following symptoms:

• Loss or increase in appetite.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia
• Lack of energy or fatigue.
• Low self-esteem.
• Deficit concentration or difficulty making decisions.
• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Worry, continuous suffering.
• There are no psychotic or manic events; there are no other organic diseases. There is also no suspicion of major depression.

What happens in my brain if I am diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)?

When a person receives this diagnosis, they often experience relief. This is not surprising at all. They have often lived with this shadow in life since their youth. All those years of emptiness that invaded their lives by any means necessary. All those years with a sadness that engulfed all their lives and everything they did.

Neuropsychological studies of dysthymia tell us that this condition has an origin. Experts believe that stress and increased catecholamines and hormones such as cortisol can affect our ability to control our moods.

• Clinical research, and in particular the development of brain diagnostic technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, has given us the opportunity to discover very revealing data. For example, the presence of low activity in brain areas is linked to problem solving, sleep regulation, appetite and even sociality.
• Most of these processes are focused on a very special area: (pictured below), responsible for administering emotional control. There is not much activity in this area in patients with persistent depressive disorder.

and von Economo neurons

• Forex is part of a network that is responsible for generating multiple processes. It helps us process information, both sensory and emotional. It helps us keep our attention focused while moving or interacting with others. It helps us maintain an interest in our environment, and this acts as a bridge between our emotions and our attention.
• Von Economo neurons are also found in this area. Many of us have heard of mirror neurons, but the von Economo neurons are especially important for one main reason. These nerve cells connect with others to facilitate and process information related to pain and hunger. They also stimulate the creation of “social feelings” such as trust, love, anger…
• Monkeys, dolphins, whales and elephants also have von Economo neurons. These animals become depressed just like us and show symptoms of so-called “social disorders” in their behavior. Factors such as loneliness, rejection or loss of a position in the group hierarchy can generate sadness and emotional pain. As we can see, this is extremely interesting data.

Conclusion: looking for answers

Now we know what the neuropsychological examination of dysthymia has shown us. The question now is: what causes the areas associated with this disorder to stop functioning properly? And more importantly, how can we regulate them again? One of the main problems is that these people have been living with this condition for so many years. It does not always respond to a medicine-based approach. Therefore, experts need to do more research on this condition.

For example, researchers know that it is a hereditary aspect. Similarly, a feeling of isolation, or having suffered a loss, or the simple fact of not feeling useful in a given context, can generate these chronic states of suffering.

Neuropsychological studies of dysthymia tell us that many patients often get better when they take on new projects. The simple fact of introducing change into our lives can create a real breakthrough. If we feel involved in something, or someone, again, it generates positivity and hope.

Do not give up. As experts learn more and more about these conditions, they will be able to provide better answers. In the meantime, let’s just focus on the fact that dysthymia can be treated. With a good treatment and a psychotherapeutic approach, we can overcome it.