Recently diagnosed case of persistent low depressive disorder (dysthymia), shown to psychiatrist prescribed brintellix 10 and mirtaz 7.5 mg, doctor told as my symptoms are present since childhood (anxiety and low confidence), now 46 years ,i have to take medication for 3-4 years, what is the usual duration treatment in dysthymia, breathing exercises, meditation, yoga helpful in dysthymia, with regular follow up with my psychiatrist can I take that medicines for such a long time, dysthymia does it have remission or needs life long treatment.

Dr. Ruben JohnPsychiatrist11yrs exp

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Hi lybrate-user. Dysthymia will improve with medication and you will be on maintenance medication for sometime. Yoga, meditation, exercise, social interactions and psychotherapy are all excellent ways to ensure that you can one day be medication free. Stopping medication after 2 years of being symptom free has its risks but that is something that you should discuss with your loved ones and take a joint decision so that they can support you through the process. Please be in touch with a professional even after you make a decision to stop medication. *there is always a solution, you just need to find someone to walk you to it*  

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