Acute and maintenance treatment of chronic depression

Chronic forms of depression account for approximately one third of all depr essions. They are underrecognized and undertreated. This article defines th e types of chronic depressions (dysthymic disorder, double depression, chro nic major depression, and major depression in incomplete remission). A revi ew of treatments for patients with these conditions is provided. The basic principles of treatment of chronic depression involve longer treatment and higher doses than al e usually required for acute major depression. The imp act of psychosocial disability and severity of depressive symptoms can be a meliorated with appropriate treatment. Newer treatments. such as the combin ation of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, may prove to br of greatest ben efit for individuals with chronic mood disorders.