Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic Stafftherapy (psychotherapy). Medications appear to be more effective at
treating dysthymia than psychotherapy when either is used alone. Using a
combination of medications and psychotherapy may be slightly more
effective.
Which treatment approach your doctor recommends depends on factors such as:
- Severity of your dysthymia symptoms
- Your desire to address emotional or situational issues affecting your life
- Your personal preferences
- Previous treatment methods
- Your ability to tolerate medications
- Other emotional problems you may have
Medications for dysthymia
Types of antidepressants most commonly used to treat dysthymia include:- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Finding the right medication
SSRIs are often the antidepressant of choice because, in general,they work well and their side effects are more tolerable. Which
antidepressant or a combination of medications is best for you depends
on your individual situation.
If you're bothered by side effects, don't stop taking an
antidepressant without talking to your doctor first. Some
antidepressants can cause withdrawal symptoms unless you slowly taper
off, and quitting abruptly may cause a sudden worsening of depression.
Don't give up until you and your doctor find a medication that's
suitable for you. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about possible
side effects to weigh the benefits and risks. In some cases, side
effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medication.
When you have dysthymia, you may need to take antidepressants long term to keep symptoms under control.
