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Clinical Depression Vs. Dysthymia

For some, happiness is out of reach due to mood disorders. These mood disorders include clinical depression and dysthymia. While they both influence our mental health, they have significant differences. Clinical depression is a serious medical disorder that influences not only the sufferer's ability to think and feel but also their ability to function. Dysthymia, also a serious medical disorder, is a milder form of depression that is chronic, lasting at least two years.

  1. Statistics

    • According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 9.5 percent of Americans have mood disorders, which include clinical depression and dysthymia. Also known as major depressive disorder, clinical depression affects 6.7 percent of the United States each year, while dysthymia affects 1.5 percent.

    Time Frame

    • Clinical depression symptoms last over two weeks. The symptoms of dysthymia, however, are defined as lasting at least two years.

    Beginnings

    • Clinical depression often strikes adults in their late 20s, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dysthymia, however, mostly begins during childhood.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of clinical depression and dysthymia include irritability, fatigue and self-criticism. Clinical depression interferes with a person's ability to function normally and enjoy life, influencing sleep, appetite and the ability to feel pleasure. Unlike clinical depression, dysthymia doesn't affect the sufferer's ability to function. They symptoms are milder. People with dysthymia are still able to feel pleasure from daily activities.

    Treatment

    • Physicians treat dysthymia and clinical depression using psychotherapy and medication. Most medication therapies involve selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa or Prozac.

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