Dysthymic disorder is a chronic (long-term) depressive disorder where low mood is experienced most days, for the majority of the day, over a period of at least two years. People with dysthymic disorder may also experience fatigue, sleeping and eating difficulties (ie. under or over eating), low self-esteem, guilt and negative thinking (eg. self criticism).
Symptoms and characteristics
Together with the above, some additional behavioural and cognitive symptoms of dysthymic disorder, which may be more evident to others, include:
- social withdrawal
- excessive crying
- a pessimistic attitude to everything
- anger and temper outbursts
- neglecting personal appearance or hygiene
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- constant short-term memory problems
- poor attendance at work due to over sleeping.
Statistics
Approximately 5 to 6 per cent of adults will have dysthymic disorder at some stage in their lives (MDA Internet 2005).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
There are various factors that would greatly assist people with dysthymic disorder to better manage their symptoms in the workplace. These include:
- flexible work arrangements, including leave
- reducing responsibilities and workload
- re-structuring the work environment, for example using privacy screens and reducing colour schemes to plain colours
- a good support network.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2006, Depression - different types, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 22 April 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Depression_different_types?OpenDocument>.
DepressioNet 2007, DepressioNet, Melbourne, viewed 22 April 2007,<http://www.depressionet.com.au/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=245>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 22 April 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.