Dysthymia
Alternate Names : Chronic Depression, Depression - Chronic, Dysthymic Disorder, Neurotic Depression (Dysthymia)
Definition Dysthymia is chronic form of depression, characterized by moods that are consistently low, but not as extreme as other types of depression.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The exact cause of dysthymia is unknown. Although the symptoms are not as severe as those of other forms of depression, affected people struggle nearly every day with low self-esteem, despair, and hopelessness.
Like all forms of depression, dysthymia occurs more frequently in women than in men and affects up to 5% of the general population. Dysthymia can occur alone or in conjunction with more severe depression or other mood or psychiatric disorders.
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