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Dysthymia
Definition:
Dysthymia is a chronic form of depression, characterized by moods that are consistently low, but not as extreme as other types of depression. Alternative Names:
Neurotic depression (dysthymia); Dysthymic disorder; Chronic depression; Depression - chronic
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The exact cause of dysthymia is unknown. Although the symptoms are not as severe as those of other forms of depression, affected people struggle nearly every day with low self-esteem, despair, and hopelessness. Like all forms of depression, dysthymia occurs more frequently in women than in men and affects up to 5% of the general population. Dysthymia can occur alone or in conjunction with more severe depression or other mood or psychiatric disorders.
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