Bipolar Disorder

Depression: What is dysthymia?

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Depression: What is dysthymia?

By: Josette DeFranco

Dysthymia is mild but has more long-lasting symptoms than major depression. Dysthymia is also known as persistent depression disorder because it is continuous and long-term. There is no exact cause of dysthymia but biological differences, brain chemistry, life events, and inherited traits can play a role. It has been demonstrated that those with depression don’t have any family history of this disorder and those with a family history of depression don’t struggle with this disorder.

Some noticeable symptoms of dysthymia:

  • Loss of enjoyment of regular activities
  • Sadness or depressed mood
  • Lack of motivation
  • Tiredness
  • Sleep problems
  • Problems with decision-making or concentration
  • Restlessness and impatient
  • Low self-esteem
  • Overeating or eating very little
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Substance misuse
  • Relationship difficulties
  • School or work hardships

Some ways to help prevent dysthymia:

  • Reach out to friends and family
  • Seek medical professional help
  • Work on reducing stress
  • Be patient
  • Be kind to yourself
  • Practice self-care
  • Don’t self-medicate

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/

Resources:

https://www.webmd.com/depression/chronic-depression-dysthymia

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/persistent-depressive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20350929

Bipolar Disorder

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Bipolar Disorder

By: Nicole Sanchez

Bipolar disorder is a serious mood disorder and mental health condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy levels, thinking and behavior. These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks or months and interfere with ability to carry out daily tasks. When one becomes depressed, they may go through feelings of sadness, hopelessness and or loss of interest in many activities. When one’s mood shifts to mania, one may feel euphoric, energized or irritable. These shifts in mood can impact a person’s sleep, activity or energy levels, behavior and their ability to think clearly. Each type of bipolar disorder includes periods between manic or depressive episodes when symptoms lessen, or people feel stable. The greatest difference between the types of disorder is how extreme the mood states are and their duration. Bipolar I Disorder includes having a history of at least one manic episode, but sometimes also having depressed or hypomanic episodes as well. Bipolar II Disorder includes mood states that vary from an even mood to high to low, although the highs are less extreme and are called hypomanic states.

Individuals with bipolar disorder can be treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can aid in managing mood swings and other symptoms. Some people may need to try different medications before determining which medication works best for them. Therapy aids individuals in accepting their disorder, being familiar with the warning signs of a manic or depressive episode, developing coping strategies, and sticking with a medication schedule. While people may sometimes experience some stability in their mood between episodes, a long-term, continuous treatment plan is suggested as it can reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings.

If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/bipolar