Dysthymic disorder

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Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, is a mild to moderate depression that smolders for years despite brief moments of emotional reprieve in which the individual experiences a normal mood. These fleeting euthymic periods do not extend beyond a couple of months at a time. The up-and-down course is as potentially debilitating as that of major depression, yet dysthymia is surprisingly underdiagnosed. The authors review the diagnostic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and clinical approach to management of this insidious mood disorder.

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Randy A. Sansone

Randy A. Sansone, MD Lori A. Sansone, MD Randy A. Sansone (right) is associate professor, department of psychiatry, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa. Lori A. Sansone (left) is clinical assistant professor, department of family practice, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, and staff physician, Medical Care Associates of Tulsa. This husband-wife team is actively involved in research of psychiatric issues in primary care settings.

Lori A. Sansone

Randy A. Sansone, MD Lori A. Sansone, MD Randy A. Sansone (right) is associate professor, department of psychiatry, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Tulsa. Lori A. Sansone (left) is clinical assistant professor, department of family practice, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, and staff physician, Medical Care Associates of Tulsa. This husband-wife team is actively involved in research of psychiatric issues in primary care settings.