Overview of Dysthymia

Dysthymia is characterized by chronic, low-level depression that differs from episodic depressive experiences. Individuals suffering from dysthymia often report feeling depressed for most of their lives, and traditional solutions like therapy and medication may prove ineffective. This condition leads to a lack of internal self-esteem and gratification, which can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness. The chronic nature of dysthymia makes it challenging to treat since those affected feel a continuous sense of despair rather than experiencing discrete episodes of depression.