Dysthymia (pronounced /) is a mood disorder that falls within the depression spectrum. It is considered a chronic depression, but with less severity than a major depression. This disorder tends to be a chronic, long-lasting illness.Hersen, M., Turner, S. M., & Beidel, D. C. (Eds.). (2007). Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis (5th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Dysthymia is a type of low-grade depression. Harvard Health Publications states that, ?the Greek word dysthymia means ?bad state of mind' or ?ill humor'. As one of the two chief forms of clinical depression, it usually has fewer or less serious symptoms than major depression but lasts longer.? Harvard Health Publications says, ?at least three-quarters of patients with dysthymia also have a chronic physical illness or another psychiatric disorder such as one of the anxiety disorders, drug addiction, or alcoholism?. The Primary Care Journal says that dysthymia ?affects approximately 3% of the population and is associated with significant functional impairment?. Dysthymia ?is twice as common in women as it is in men, although this may be because women are more likely to report their symptoms? . Harvard health Publications says, ?The rate of depression in the families of people with dysthymia is as high as 50% for the early-onset form of the disorder.? Dysthymia is a ?milder but more persistent depressed mood? accompanied by at least two cognitive or somatic symptoms? . For some people the depression of dysthymia ?is usually mild or moderate, rather than severe. Most people with dysthymia can't tell for sure when they first became depressed? .