Practical Strategies for Diagnosing and Treating Depression in Women at Midlife and Beyond: Chronic Depression

Dysthymic disorder is a mild but chronic depression that can be difficult for physicians to treat because patients with dysthymic disorder have a high risk of relapse. Guidelines for treating dysthymic disorder suggest treatment with antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and psychotherapy. A variety of antidepressants and psychotherapies have shown efficacy in trials, and treatment must be tailored to the individual patient.