Compared to major depression, dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder) is a more moderate form of depression. Individuals who experience dysthymia face less severe symptoms of depression but experience them more often (month after month or year after year). In other words, the symptoms tend to be milder and less disruptive but more chronic. Individuals living with dysthymia may laugh or tell a joke and occasionally enjoy themselves, but generally their mood is low and they often become upset over matters that others take in stride. It's not uncommon to hear dysthymics say "they never feel happy."
Dysthymia may not be as disabling as MDD but it keeps people from functioning and feeling well. Many people with dysthymia experience major depressive episodes in their lives. People with dysthymia often mistake their dysthymia with their personality, believing that they are simply unhappy and gloomy.
Do you have any questions about Dysthmia or similar behavior patterns? Please ask, share your experiences or comment.
