Condition
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) Treatment in Texas
Persistent depressive disorder — long known as dysthymia — is a chronic, lower-grade depression that lasts two years or more. It can feel like a low mood that’s become your normal. It’s often missed for exactly that reason — but it’s a real, treatable condition, usually with a mix of therapy and medication.
Clinically reviewed by the Lyte Psychiatry Clinical Team · Last reviewed June 2026
What is dysthymia?
Persistent depressive disorder is a long-running depression. The mood is often less intense than a major depressive episode, but it lasts much longer — at least two years in adults (one year in children and teens), present most of the day, more days than not. Because it’s so steady, people often assume it’s just their personality rather than something that can improve.
Symptoms
A low mood lasting two years or more, plus two or more of:
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Poor concentration or trouble making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness
Dysthymia vs. major depression
Major depression tends to come in distinct, sometimes severe episodes, while persistent depressive disorder is a chronic low mood that becomes the baseline. Some people have both at once — sometimes called “double depression” — when a major episode lands on top of the ongoing low mood.
How it’s treated
The strongest results usually come from combining psychotherapy and medication. SSRIs and SNRIs are common first-line medications, and therapy (including CBT) helps shift the long-standing thought and behavior patterns that keep low mood in place. Because the condition is chronic, steady follow-up is part of doing it well.
Medications
Medications used for persistent depression
These are some of the medications a prescriber may consider. Each guide explains what it treats, how it works, and side effects. Whether any medication is right for you is always decided with your prescriber.
Frequently asked questions
What is persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)?
Persistent depressive disorder (formerly called dysthymia) is a chronic, lower-grade depression. The low mood is often less intense than major depression but lasts much longer — at least two years in adults (one year in children and teens) — present most of the day, more days than not.
How is dysthymia different from major depression?
Major depressive disorder tends to come in distinct episodes that can be severe, while persistent depressive disorder is a long-running low mood that becomes a person's baseline. Some people experience both at once (sometimes called 'double depression'). Because it's chronic, dysthymia can be easy to dismiss as 'just how I am' — but it's treatable.
What are the symptoms?
A depressed mood for at least two years plus two or more of: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or sleeping too much, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or trouble making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness.
How is persistent depressive disorder treated?
The best results usually come from combining psychotherapy and medication. SSRIs and SNRIs are common first-line medications, and therapy (including CBT) helps address the long-standing patterns. Because it's chronic, steady follow-up matters.
Can dysthymia be cured?
Many people improve substantially with treatment, and some reach full remission. Because the condition is long-standing, ongoing care and follow-up help keep gains in place. The earlier you start, the better.
Sources
Related pages
This page is for general education and is not medical advice or a substitute for care from your own clinician. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and for a medical emergency call 911.
It doesn’t have to be your baseline
Our Texas psychiatry team can evaluate your symptoms and build a plan that fits — with close follow-up. In-person in DFW or by video statewide. Same-week appointments available.
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