This study attempted to assess the psychosocial consequences of dysthymia.

The most consistent correlate of lifetime and 12-month depressive episode and dysthymia was social stress, measured by past traumatic events and recent negative life events.

Results: Approximately 6.9% of the respondents had experienced an episode of major depression and 5.2% had had dysthymia in their lifetime.

Patients aged 60 years and older (N = 1,801) who met diagnostic criteria for major depression or dysthymia participated in a baseline survey.

Dysthymia and a lack of necessary aggressiveness also contribute to deteriorate physical effectiveness.