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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Dysthymia generally isn't an illness that you can treat on your own. But you can do some things for yourself that build on your treatment plan. In addition to professional treatment, follow these lifestyle and self-care steps for dysthymia:

  • Stick to your treatment plan. Don't skip therapy sessions, even if you don't feel like going.
  • Take your medications as directed. Even if you're feeling well, resist any temptation to skip your medications. If you stop, depression symptoms may come back and you could also experience withdrawal-like symptoms.
  • Learn about dysthymia. Education about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.
  • Pay attention to warning signs. Work with your doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your dysthymia symptoms. Make a plan so that you know what to do if symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel. Consider involving family members or friends in watching for warning signs.
  • Get active. Physical activity and exercise may reduce symptoms in depression-related conditions. Consider walking, jogging, swimming, gardening or taking up another form of exercise you enjoy.
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and illegal drugs may worsen depression-related symptoms.
Alternative medicine Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Dysthymic disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=2375. Accessed May 12, 2010.
  2. Loosen PT, et al. Mood disorders. In: Ebert MH, et al. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Psychiatry. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3285019. Accessed May 12, 2010.
  3. Depressive disorders. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec15/ch200/ch200b.html. Accessed May 12, 2010.
  4. Sansone RA, et al. Dysthymic disorder: Forlorn and overlooked? Psychiatry. 2009;6:46.
  5. Klein DN, et al. Ten-year prospective follow-up study of the naturalistic course of dysthymic disorder and double depression. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2006;163:872.
  6. Cuijpers P, et al. Psychotherapy for chronic major depression and dysthymia: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review. 2010;30:51.
  7. Imel ZE, et al. A meta-analysis of psychotherapy and medication in unipolar depression and dysthymia. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2008;110:197.
  8. Mood disorders. In: Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201023955-5/997725771/1657/636.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04743-2..50071-8--cesec37_1902. Accessed May 13, 2010.
  9. Mead GE, et al. Exercise for depression (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009:CD004366.
  10. Natural medicines in the clinical management of depression. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed May 13, 2010.
  11. Position of the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada: Dietary fatty acids. American Dietetic Association. http://www.eatright.org/WorkArea//DownloadAsset.aspx?id=8452. Accessed May 13, 2010.
  12. Smith CA. Acupuncture for depression (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD004046.
  13. Gray CM, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine use among health plan members. Effective Clinical Practice. 2002;5:17.
  14. Subodh BN. Psychosocial impact of dysthymia: A study among married patients. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2008;109:199.
DS01111 Aug. 26, 2010

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