Family members and friends may not even know that their loved one is depressed. Even though this type of depression is mild, it may make it difficult for a person to function at home and at school or work. Dysthymia can begin in childhood or in adulthood. Like most types of depression, it appears to be more common in women. No one knows why depression is more common in women.
Dysthymic disorder is a fairly common type of depression.
Up to 3 percent of people have dysthymia. From 5 to 15 percent of patients in a family doctor's office have dysthymia. No one knows for sure what causes dysthymia. There may be some changes in the brain that involve a chemical called serotonin. Personality problems, medical problems and chronic life stresses may also play a role.