Types of Major Depression

Dysthymic Disorder

This is a chronic form of depression. It starts at an early age and remains with the victims through their life. It places a constant and dark cloud over their heads, day in and day out.

Dysthymia involves symptoms similar to those of major depression. The symptoms are milder but longer lasting, with a minimum duration of two years. People with dysthymia are frequently lacking in zest and enthusiasm for life, living joyless and fatigued existences that seem almost natural outgrowths of their personalities. 

It can be especially tough to spot Dysthymic Disorder as the victims had been this way all their lives. There is no baseline of brighter outlook against which to compare the gloom that they feel.

Dysthymic Disorder is relatively common, occurring in approximately 4 percent of the general population.

According to DSM IV, you have Dysthymic Disorder if.

You have had depressed mood most days for at least two years, but the symptoms are less severe than the episodes for Major Depressive Disorder. (See

At least two of the following:

1. Your appetite is poor or you are overeating.

2. You sleep too little or too much.

3. You are tired or your energy level is low.

4. You feel down about yourself.

5. Your concentration is poor or you have difficulty making decisions.

6. You feel hopeless about the future.

Whereas Dysthymic Disorder is chronic, milder, and usually has an early onset, Major Depressive Disorder is more episodic, severe, and can begin later in life. If you start having chronic mild depression, you will probably wind up eventually also having superimposed episodes of more severe depression.

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