Key features of depression and its management in general practice.
 
 

"..I'm not like other people.."

 
1. Symptoms of dysthymia may be absent for long periods of time.
2. Dysthymic disorder usually starts as a sequelae to a well-defined major depressive episode.
3. In dysthymic disorder, depression is more subjective than objective i.e. symptoms tend to outnumber signs.
4. Dysthymic disorder typically leads to marked impairment of functioning and multiple hospitalisations.
5. People with dysthymic disorder emphasise work at the exclusion of family life.
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2. Dysthymic disorder usually starts as a sequelae to a well-defined major depressive episode.

Author's answer: False

Dysthymic disorder is distinguished from chronic depressive disorder by the fact that it is not a sequel to well-defined major depressive episodes.

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