title: Current therapeutic approaches for dysthymic disorder.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to review the literature regarding current treatments for dysthymic disorder. We will first discuss definitions of dysthymic disorder, demographics of these patients, clinical course and family history. We will then review treatment studies for psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and combined treatment, discuss treatment guidelines for dysthymic disorder, render an 'expert opinion' regarding problems in the definition of dysthymic disorder, elaborate on areas for future research and speculate on a 'five-year view.'
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Center for Anxiety and Depression, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Ste 306C, Seattle, WA 98105-6099, USA. ddunner@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Dunner