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CAUSES:
By Mayo Clinic Staff

The exact cause of dysthymia isn’t known. Dysthymia may have causes similar to major depression, including:
•Biochemical. People with dysthymia may have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but they may eventually help pinpoint causes.
•Genes. Dysthymia appears to be more common in people whose biological (blood) relatives also have the condition.
•Environment. As with depression, environment may contribute to dysthymia. Environmental causes are situations in your life that are difficult to cope with, such as the loss of a loved one, financial problems or a high level of stress

RISK FACTORS:

Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic Staff

Certain factors appear to increase the risk of developing or triggering dysthymia, including:
•Having a first-degree relative with dysthymia or major depression
•Stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or financial problems
•Interpersonal dependency where the person relies excessively on approval, reassurance and attention from others and then this approval is significantly reduced or no longer occurs