The symptoms are not as severe as depression . However, affected people struggle most days with symptoms of depressed mood. It occurs more frequently in women than men and generally persists over a period of years. It can occur in children. A physical examination is given to rule out physical cause, and a psychological evaluation is given to rule out other psychiatric disorders.
Treatment consists of a combination of medication and therapy.
The most common therapies are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. The overall outlook is good with treatment but the disorder may persist for several years. There are usually no major complications. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.