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What Is Subsyndromal Depression?

According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 3.3 million people over age 18 suffer from a dysthymic disorder, or mild, chronic depression, each year. Subsyndromal depression crosses all socio-economic borders and is one of the leading causes for visits to a physician annually. Subsyndromal depression is often misdiagnosed due to the variety and severity of symptoms.

  1. Definition

    • Subsyndromal depression is defined as mild depression, as opposed to general or clinical depression, in which the individual may suffer deep, life-altering bouts of sadness. Dr. Dan G. Blazer, MD, PhD, describes it as "a minor depression based on no data whatsoever." Thus, subsyndromal depression is often misdiagnosed. It is considered a lower form of major depression.

    Who Is At Risk?

    • The elderly may be more likely to suffer from subsyndromal depression if they are physically debilitated.

      The elderly are prone to subsyndromal depression, and this risk is compounded when the individual is living away from family, in a care center and/or is physically debilitated or disabled. Women are more apt than men to suffer from the condition, as well as individuals in poor health, those using psychotropic drugs and those who are single. In a study of the racial risk factors of the disease, Carl I. Cohen, M.D., Carol Magai, Ph.D., Robert Yaffee, Ph.D., and Lorna Walcott-Brown, M.S., found that 13% of blacks and 28% of whites suffer from subsyndromal depression.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • There are several symptoms of subsyndromal depression, however an individual may exhibit all or few of them. A person with mild depression may suffer feelings of sadness, anxiety and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. She may have trouble sleeping or may sleep for inordinate amounts of time. She may not feel like doing things she once enjoyed doing. An individual at risk may feel restless, exhausted or have a hard time concentrating. She may have a difficult time making decisions, suffer from unclear thought processes or suffer temporary loss of memory. Individuals have also been known to either lose or gain weight due to a decrease or increase of appetite.

    Treatment

    • Paroxetine, also known by the trade names Paxil and Seroxat, has been used successfully to treat subsyndromal depression. The drug works on the serotonin levels in the brain, bringing a feeling of well-being over time. Individual or group counseling may be recommended in addition to pharmacologic therapy, depending on the length and severity of symptoms.

    Get Help

    • Individuals suffering from three or more symptoms of subsyndromal depression should seek the advice of a physician or mental health professional. The local mental health authority will have a list of support groups in the area for people suffering from depression. Never stop or begin medications for subsyndromal depression without the advice of a medical professional. Ask for the support of friends and family when dealing with any type of depression.

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