Dysthymic Disorder
Key points
- Dysthymic disorder is a mild, chronic form of major depression.
- Because dysthymia is often conceptualized as a milder, chronic form of major depression, similar etiologies are generally attributed to dysthymia.
- History and Mental Status Examination Dysthymic disorder is a chronic and less severe form of major depression.
- Major depression and etiologic mood disorders are the major differential diagnostic considerations.
Dysthymic disorder is a mild, chronic form of major depression.
Epidemiology
The lifetime prevalence is 6%.
Etiology
Because dysthymia is often conceptualized as a milder, chronic form of major depression, similar etiologies are generally attributed to dysthymia.
Clinical Manifestations
History and Mental Status Examination
Dysthymic disorder is a chronic and less severe form of major depression. The diagnosis of dysthymia requires a minimum of 2 years of chronically depressed mood most of the time (Fig. 2-1 B). Associated symptoms and complaints may include change in appetite and sleep, fatigue, decreased concentration, and hopelessness. Dysthymia can be chronic and difficult to treat. At times, major depressive episodes may co-occur, giving rise to the term double depression.
Differential Diagnosis
Major depression and etiologic mood disorders are the major differential diagnostic considerations.
Management
Treatment is similar to major depression except that psychotherapy may playa larger role and the course of treatment may be more protracted.
KEY POINTS 1. Dysthymia is a unipolar mood disorder. 2. It is chronic, lasting at least 2 years. 3. It is often treatment refractory.
Frequently asked questions
What causes dysthymic disorder?
Because dysthymia is often conceptualized as a milder, chronic form of major depression, similar etiologies are generally attributed to dysthymia.
How is dysthymic disorder diagnosed?
Major depression and etiologic mood disorders are the major differential diagnostic considerations.
How is dysthymic disorder treated?
Treatment is similar to major depression except that psychotherapy may playa larger role and the course of treatment may be more protracted. KEY POINTS 1. Dysthymia is a unipolar mood disorder. 2. It is chronic, lasting at least 2 years. 3. It is often treatment refractory.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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