Dysthymia, like depression, is thought to be caused by a combination of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors.

It seems that certain life events can trigger dysthymia in susceptible people. Such events include:

 
• adolescent adjustment problems  
• life transitions such as moving, or starting a new school or job  
• losses and life crises such as death and divorce  
• chronic societal problems such as poverty and unemployment  
• stress arising from having to cope with illness or abuse