What is a dysthymic disorder?

Dysthymic disorder: Dysthymic disorder is the formal term for depressive neurosis. Individuals with dysthymic disorder suffer from a prolonged mild depression that may be either constant or episodic.

Dysthymia: Is a form of chronic, low grade depression lasting at least 2 yrs in adults & at least 1 yr in children. A person w dysthymia often feels low & /or guilty, is self- critical, tired, lacks joy, is disinterested in activities. S/he may have trouble making decisions & focusing & is irritable/ angry. Self esteem is poor mixed w hopelessness & problems w sleep & /or appetite.

Dysthymia: Dysthymia, is a chronic type of depression that doesn't waver all that much in terms of intensity, as opposed to major depression which wavers widely in intensity. Metaphorically speaking, those with dysthymia experience it as having to wear a coat made of lead, 24-7, with little variation. Those with major depression experience the depressive lows almost like waves.

Dysthymia: Is a milder form of depression, more chronic, in which the mood is persistently low. It runs in families, but exact cause is still unknown. Main symptom is low/sad mood on most days for at least 2 years (in kids/adolescents it can be irritable mood & lasts at least 1 year). There are also changes in energy, concentration, appetite & sleep.

Chronic depression: An analogy i sometimes use is that if depression is a campfire, dysthymia is more like smoldering hot coals - not as severe as the depression, but lasting longer. Officially, dysthymic disorder is a chronically depressed mood most days for at least 2 years along with some symptoms normally associated with a major depressive episode (e.g. Low energy, sleep problems) present in an attenuated form.

Dysthymia: Is a form of chronic, low grade depression lasting at least 2 yrs in adults ; at least 1 yr in children. A person w dysthymia often feels low ; /or guilty, is self- critical, tired, lacks joy, is disinterested in activities. S/he may have trouble making decisions ; focusing ; is irritable/ angry. Self esteem is poor mixed w hopelessness ; problems w sleep ; /or appetite.

Dysthymic disorder: is the formal term for depressive neurosis. Individuals with dysthymic disorder suffer from a prolonged mild depression that may be either constant or episodic.