Define Subclinical Depression

Depression is a common condition that involves recurrent feelings of sadness among other symptoms. Dysthymia, also called Subclinical Depression, is one of several forms depression can take depending on the symptoms, severity and duration.

Dysthymia

• Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression as compared to major depression (clinical depression). Many of the symptoms are the same and can include feelings of sadness, loss of interest in normal activities, poor appetite, hopelessness and sleep problems.

Duration

• Dysthymia is a less intense form of depression but it tends to last longer with a duration of two years or more. Due to its long course it can actually be more damaging than short periods of more intense depression.

Underdiagnosis

• One issue with dysthymia is that it can be overlooked by mental health professionals due to it involving fewer less severe symptoms than major depression. This can result in people dealing with dysthymia without professional help.

Treatment

• Treatments for dysthymia are essentially the same as major depression and typically include psychotherapy, as well as antidepressant medications.

Outcome

• Outcome for patients suffering from dysthymia are less certain than other forms of depression due to its underdiagnosis and its persistence. Research has shown that without treatment there is a risk of developing major depression.