Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution and severity of depression symptoms, func-tional impairment and compare these variables between early- onset (EO) and late-onset (LO) dysthymic disorder patients. Methods: One hundred and ninety-two patients (174 women, 18-65 years of age) diagnosed with dys-thymic disorder (DD) according to DSM-IV were included. Patients with double depression, ongoing major depres-sion, axis I or II diagnosis and uncontrolled physical illness were excluded. Patients were evaluated using Hamil-ton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS). The sample was divided into two groups depending on age at onset (early [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2011; 12(1.000): 49-54]