Dysthymic Disorder

Dysthymic disorder was first introduced as a category of mood disorder in
1980. Dysthymia means “ill humor.” It is characterized as a mild, chronic depression
lasting at least two years and affects 3 to 5 percent of all Americans.
The majority of people with dysthymia also develop major depressive disorder,
a state called double depression. The disorder is more prevalent in
women than in men.
Essentially, dysthymic disorder is a low-grade, chronic depression. Diagnosis
of dysthymic disorder requires the impairment of physical and social
functioning. Treatment may include cognitive and behavioral therapy as
well as pharmacotherapy, especially SSRIs.