About Double Depression

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What Is Double Depression?

Double depression occurs when someone with dysthymia experiences an episode of major depression. Often, dysthymia is first diagnosed because the person has a superimposed episode of major depression. It takes the more serious symptoms of major depression to spur a person to seek help. The treatment goal in double depression is to get the person feeling better than he or she felt before. That is, to treat both the episode of major depression and the underlying dysthymia.

How Is Double Depression Treated?

Treatment for double depression is virtually the same as that for major depression. However, because people with double depression have often not been treated for their dysthymia, the goal of treatment is to get the person to feel better than she did before the episode of major depression. Medications are almost always needed. Psychotherapy of some type (e.g., cognitive, behavioral) is also essential in treating double depression. Once you find a therapist, you can map out the treatment plan that is best for you. Every person's treatment plan will be unique, taking into consideration that person's unique background, circumstances, and preferences.

More to come

Watch This Space for New Books and Content!

If you have read a good book on dysthymia or depression, please send an e-mail to:

mary AT
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