Chronic Depression
Research papers on chronic depression may address the topic from several psychological views. Our writers have looked at chronic depression from the symptomatic angle and from the view of the psychologist diagnosing chronic depression. Which ever topic on chronic depression you need, Paper Masters can custom write your research paper.
Chronic depression is a clinical term for the mood disorder dysthymia, characterized by long-lasting symptoms. Dr. Robert Spitzer coined the term "dysthymia," from the ancient Greek meaning "melancholy" to replace the term "depressive personality." Chronic depression is diagnosed following at least two years of persistent depression.
Chronic Depression and Other Disorders
As depression is a chronic disorder, individuals may go years before a diagnosis is made, and some individuals are never diagnosed at all. It often co-occurs with other mental disorders, including:
Chronic depression is characterized by low energy, low self-esteem and a low capacity for the pleasures of everyday life. There is no single known cause for chronic depression, although it believed that some individuals are genetically predisposed to dysthymia.
Diagnosis is made following a depressed mood for a majority of days during a two-year period. Further diagnosis is made when an individual exhibits at least two of the following symptoms:
- Decreased or increased appetite
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Fatigue
- Lowered self-esteem
- Decreased concentration and/or problems with decision making
- Feelings of pessimism
Psychotherapy has proven effective in treating chronic depression, both individualized and group sessions. Antidepressants such as SSRIs are also prescribed.