Dysthymic disorder is a less severe but more chronic variant
of depression. To meet criteria the older adult must experience
symptoms most of the time for at least 2 years.11 Although
it is rare for dysthymic disorder to start in late life, it
can persist into late life from midlife.12,13 Therefore, chronic
but less severe depression in the nursing home may not so
much be secondary to living situation as a pattern laid down
many years before admittance to long-term care.