Hypothymia: what it is and characteristics of this emotional symptom

Feeling sad and down is normal. There are days when we are in a better mood and others when we are not so much, as is expected in a person with euthymia.

However, sometimes you can live in a continuous state of despondency and hopelessness, don't serious enough to be considered a full state of mind, but that can be a source of discomfort.

This is called hypothymia, and it's a common symptom in mood disorders., although it can also occur on its own. Next we are going to see more in depth what it is and what differences it presents with respect to dysthymia and depression.

• Related article: "Types of Anxiety Disorders and their characteristics"

What is hypothymia and how does it affect mood?

hypothymia is an abnormal decrease in affective tone. A person presents this symptom when his emotional response is diminished and is inappropriate to his real situation, accompanied by dejection, inexpressive language and slow movements.

Furthermore, a fundamental aspect of hypothymia is that the individual loses interest in what previously gave him satisfaction

, such as hobbies, family circle and friends or others.

Hypothymia is not a diagnostic category, but it is a symptom that is present in many diseases of medical origin and mental disorders. It is considered a positive symptom, that is, the disorder adds to the person's life. It is not a specific symptom, and it can occur in many mental disorders and diseases, such as a brain tumor or pictures related to head injuries. It is considered one of the main symptoms of depression.

It differs from euthymic sadness, that is, normal, for several reasons. The first is that the person not only feels sad, but is also incapable of feeling happiness, even if you have experienced an event that, in principle, should be a source of joy. For example, a person suffers from hypothymia if, upon learning that he has had good grades, he is a father or has won the lottery, he does not show any joy.

When hypothymia occurs there can be a wide repertoire of mild feelings, such as hatred and pessimistic ideas, or go to deeper thoughts of vital concern, discomfort and shyness. Catastrophic feelings, hopelessness and a sense of failure can occur.

Based on its definition, it may be thought that hypothymia is related to dysthymia and depression, and indeed it is. However, it differs from these two mood disorders for various reasons that we will see below.

Differences between hypothymia and dysthymia

There are several differences between hypothymia and dysthymia. For a start, hypothymia is a symptom, not a nosological category or disorder, while dysthymia is. Dysthymia is one of the mood disorders, characterized by presenting a sad mood, melancholy, gloom and other symptoms of low mood, but the diagnostic criteria to consider the case as depression are not met. It could be considered as a kind of mild depression.

In order to diagnose dysthymia, it is necessary that the state of despondency from which the patient suffers has been maintained for at least two years. This despondency could initially be considered as hypothymia, as long as that period of time was not exceeded and the degree of severity was not excessive.

However, Another of the main differences between dysthymia and hypothymia is in their temporality. Hypothymia, as we have commented, is a symptom, a state related to depression that is of relatively short duration. In contrast, dysthymia has more to do with a trait or a prolonged state over time, making more reference to the fact that the person, in general and in various contexts of his life, is in low spirits.

Difference Between Depression and Hypothymia

In the same way that hypothymia can be related to dysthymia, and even confused without taking into account the differences already explained, this symptom can be related to depression. In fact, as we have already said, it is one of the main symptoms of depression.

Among the differences between depression and hypothymia is its intensity. In depression, as a mood disorder, symptoms of apathy, despondency, loss of interest and coldness are very intense and are generalized to most of the situations that the patient. On the other hand, hypothymia, although it is present at all times in the patient's life, its intensity is much lower, more characterized by the absence of happiness than by deep sadness.

The other difference is the length. Hypothymia is relatively temporary, with a shorter and more variable duration than depression, ranging from a few days to, at most, months. Instead, depression is often a long-term disorder.

Although to diagnose it, it is required that several of its diagnostic criteria have been met for a period longer than the two weeks, it is often that, really, the person has endured a depression for longer, of at least six months.

How is hypothymia treated?

Although hypothymia is not a disorder, nor is it as serious as dysthymia and depression, it is necessary that the person who suffers it receives the appropriate professional help.

This is important since, if not properly dealt with, feelings of unhappiness and despondency may evolve, over time, into a dysthymic disorder or even into a depression.

The first thing to do is consult with a specialist psychologist, with the intention of being able to confirm the diagnosis. Generally, hypothymia is usually exogenous, that is, caused by a condition outside the person, such as a work or relational problem, some kind of concern... So, it will be possible, with professional help and the support of family and friends, to be able to address the source of anguish, in addition to providing the patient with tools for his resolution.

inside therapy it is essential to get the person to continue with their daily activities and that you do not lose social contact, since isolation can worsen your mental situation.

If possible, it is recommended that the patient do a little weekly exercise, since sport is known to help raise the state and assuming that hypothymia is not a severely sad mood, you may return to normal levels quickly. However, no matter how much sport you do, psychotherapy should not be abandoned to direct the improvement process.

The patient should also be encouraged to carry out pleasant activities, which will help him to disconnect from his worries and obligations, in addition to relativizing his problems. These activities can be of any kind, such as reading, playing video games, painting, dancing or any hobby he enjoys, regardless of how “productive” it is perceived to be by those around him or even by him same. The important thing is that you do things that you like, that make you feel better.

Follow-up is essential throughout psychotherapy to ensure how the hypothymia is progressing. This is very important since, as we have already mentioned, If there is no adequate intervention on it, this symptom can evolve into depression or dysthymia., something that is clearly to be avoided in the patient.

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Horse (2002). Manual for the cognitive-behavioral treatment of psychological disorders. Vol. 1 and 2. Madrid. 21st century (Chapters 1-8, 16-18).