What is dysthymia?
Dysthymia, can be described as a long-lasting, less severe experience of depression
symptoms. |  | Who gets dysthymia?
It is thought to affect about 3% to 6% of the population. Dysthymia, like depression, can affect both genders and people of all ages, although it is more common among females, and onset in childhood and adolescence is particularly common. | | What are the symptoms of dysthymia?
Have you felt sad, blue, down, low and not interested in your usual
activities for most of the day, more days than not for at least the past
two years (or one year for children and adolescents)? | | Can dysthymia lead to major depression?
Although up to 50% of people with dysthymia start symptoms before the age of
25, many go years without treatment as they see their condition as part of life. The greatest risk is that it can lead to full-blown depression.
| | What is the cause of dysthymia?
Dysthymia, like depression, is thought to be caused by a combination of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors.
| | How is dysthymia treated?
Many people with dysthymia, who are well aware they often feel sad or "down", don't recognise that they have an illness for which help is available, or even that it warrants seeking help. This is a great pity, because dysthymia is treatable. No-one should resign themselves or downplay having to endure chronic unhappiness, however mild.
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