A case of chronic depression.

The authors describe a case of chronic depression in a designated Naval Aviator with a concomitant history of hypothyroidism. The differential diagnosis of dysthymia is discussed and the associated therapeutic alternatives are reviewed. The case demonstrates the importance of comprehensive physical and psychiatric evaluation of those patients with complex or atypical presentations. Issues pertaining to the aeromedical disposition of such patients are discussed, with emphasis on the role of the flight surgeon.