Treatment:

As with other forms of depression, there are a number of treatment options for people with dysthymia:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Talk therapies, such as cognitive/behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy

Medications do not work as well for dysthymia as they do for depression. It also may take longer after starting medication for you to feel better.

Some evidence suggests that combining medication and psychotherapy may lead to the most improvement.

Expectations (prognosis):

Dysthymia is a chronic condition that lasts many years. Though some people completely recover, others continue to have some symptoms, even with treatment. Some people need to continue taking medication and undergoing therapy.

Complications:

Antidepressant drugs have side effects that can complicate treatment. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may cause stomach upset, mild insomnia, and reduced sex drive.

If not treated, dysthymia can turn into a major depressive episode. This is known as "double depression."

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you regularly feel depressed or low.