Dysthymia

Dysthymia (/dɪsˈθmiə/ dihs-THIY-mee-uh), also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), is a mental and behavioral disorder, specifically a disorder primarily of mood, consisting of similar cognitive and physical problems as major depressive disorder, but with longer-lasting symptoms. The concept was used by Robert Spitzer as a replacement for the term "depressive personality" in the late 1970s.

Dysthymia
Other namesPersistent depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, chronic depression
SpecialtyPsychiatry, clinical psychology
SymptomsLow mood, low self-esteem, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, low energy, pain without a clear cause
ComplicationsSelf harm, suicide
Usual onsetNormally early adulthood
CausesGenetic, environmental, and psychological factors
Risk factorsFamily history, major life changes, certain medications, chronic health problems, substance use disorders
TreatmentCounseling, antidepressant medication, electroconvulsive therapy
Frequency104 million (2015)

In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV), dysthymia is a serious state of chronic depression, which persists for at least two years (one year for children and adolescents). Dysthymia is not a minor form of major depressive disorder, and for some may be more disabling.

As dysthymia is a chronic disorder, those with the condition may experience symptoms for many years before it is diagnosed, if diagnosis occurs at all. As a result, they may believe that depression is a part of their character, so they may not even discuss their symptoms with doctors, family members or friends. In the DSM-5, dysthymia is replaced by persistent depressive disorder. This new condition includes both chronic major depressive disorder and the previous dysthymic disorder. The reason for this change is that there was no evidence for meaningful differences between these two conditions.

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