Neurotic depression (dysthymia); Dysthymic disorder; Chronic depression; Depression - chronic
The main symptom of dysthymia is low, dark, or sad mood nearly every day for at least 2 years. The symptoms are less severe than in patients with major depression, but people with this condition can still struggle with:
Your health care provider will take a history of your mood and other mental health symptoms over the past several months.
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Health Care Guidelines: Major Depression in Adults in Primary Care. 11th ed. May 2008.
Stewart JW. Treating depression with atypical features. J Clin Psychiatry. 2007;68:25-29.