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Dysthymic Disorder (Dysthymia)Dysthymic Disorder overlaps substantially with major depression, the main differentiation being that dysthymia is a chronic depressive disorder with milder symptoms. The chronic features of dysthymia fluctuate in severity, and most sufferers will develop supervening co-morbid major depressive episodes. It is a form of low-level depression characterized by a lack of enthusiasm for life and a sense of discouragement about the future. "People with mild depression can still function, but they're sad sacks," says San Francisco psychiatrist Michael Freeman, M.D. "They consider themselves losers." Dysthymia may or may not have a triggering life event. Quite often, there is nothing to blame it on - no loss or life change. This can be confusing for both the person affected, and their loved ones. But just as you can catch a cold seemingly out of nowhere, you can also slip into dysthymia for no apparent reason. The female:male ratio is approximately 2:1, and dysthymia appears more common in the elderly than in younger people. Symptoms of Dysthymic Disorder
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