Chronic Depression

Chronic Depression is a less severe form of depression also called Dysthymia.  The symptoms can linger on for longer periods of time like 2 years or over.  People who have this type of depression can function fine only they seem always unhappy.  Here are the symptoms of this kind of depression:

• Persistent sad or empty feeling
• Difficulty sleeping (sleeping too much or too little)
• Insomnia (early morning awakening)
• Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
• Feelings of guilt
• Loss of interest or the ability to enjoy oneself
• Loss of energy or fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, thinking or making decisions
• Changes in appetite (overeating or loss of appetite)
• Observable mental and physical sluggishness
• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Dysthymia is most common in women, but it could start in childhood or adulthood. The Doctor will usually make his diagnosis by the symptoms that the patient describes.  As long as the symptoms have lasted 2 years or more and they are not as severe as Major Depression, then the treatment can begin. 

First, the Doctor will have to be sure that the symptoms are not due to substance abuse or a medical condition.  Also, the depression and other symptoms should be causing distress in your life in order to confirm this type of depression.  There is no blood, x-ray or other lab test to diagnose this depression.


Dysthymia is very serious, but it can be treated.  As with anything health issue, if treated early that can increase the chances of it not being prolonged and get complicated.  Doctors may use counseling, medications or a combination of both to treat chronic depression.