Dysthymic disorder (chronic depression) symptoms

Dysthymic Disorder

The essential feature of Dysthymic Disorder is a chronically depressed mood that occurs for most of the day more days than not for at least 2 years (Criterion A). Individuals with Dysthymic Disorder describe their mood as sad or "down in the dumps." In children, the mood may be irritable rather than depressed, and the required minimum duration is only 1 year. During periods of depressed mood, at least two of the following additional symptoms are present: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness (Criterion B). Individuals may note the prominent presence of low interest and self-criticism, often seeing themselves as uninteresting or incapable. Because these symptoms have become so much a part of the individual's day-to-day experience (e.g., "I've always been this way," "That's just how I am"), they are often not reported unless directly asked about by the interviewer.

Diagnostic criteria for Dysthymic Disorder

1. Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated either by subjective account or observation by others, for at least 2 years.Note: In children and adolescents, mood can be irritable and duration must be at least 1 year.
2. Presence, while depressed, of two (or more) of the following:
   1. poor appetite or overeating
   2. insomnia or hypersomnia
   3. low energy or fatigue
   4. low self-esteem
   5. poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
   6. feelings of hopelessness