What is dysthymia?
Key points
- Dysthymia, can be described as a long-lasting, less severe experience of depression symptoms.
- The long-term consequences of dysthymia may therefore be considered as severe, if not more so, than the short-term experience of a major depressive episode.
- Without treatment, studies have shown that the condition of people suffering from dysthymia tends to progressively deteriorate over time.
Dysthymia, can be described as a long-lasting, less severe experience of depression symptoms. Without treatment, studies have shown that the condition of people suffering from dysthymia tends to progressively deteriorate over time.
Even with treatment relapse may occur. The long-term consequences of dysthymia may therefore be considered as severe, if not more so, than the short-term experience of a major depressive episode.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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