10/16/2025
Dysthymia creates chronic depression lasting at least two years, while major depression causes intense episodes spanning weeks to months.
Both conditions significantly impair daily life but in different ways - dysthymia gradually reduces functioning over time, while major depression can halt normal activities immediately during episodes. Treatment approaches differ because dysthymia requires longer therapy sessions and medication trials, whereas major depression often responds faster to intervention. Professional diagnosis remains essential since 75% of dysthymia patients also experience major depressive episodes, creating complex treatment needs that require specialized care.
https://equilibriumpsychiatry.com/dysthymia-vs-clinical-depression-key-differences/