Dysthymia, formerly known as depressive neurosis or a depressive personality, is a general term for mild to moderate depression lasting for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents) received its name in 1980. It is possible for dysthymics to go through periods of relief from dysthymia, though the relief usually lasts for no longer than a few months. Dysthymic people tend have low self esteem, and have trouble concentrating in addition to typical symptoms of depression which are mainly perpetual sadness and a loss of interest in things which once brought the person joy. Dysthymia is a more mild depression, as opposed to major depression. Major depression typically impairs a person's natural ability to function in social situations; however, dysthymia can also affect a person's ability to function in social situations on a lesser level. In some patients, there can be bouts of major depression mixed...