Which statement describes dysthymia?

Which statement describes dysthymia?

• A. Longer-lasting but less severe depression
• B. Short-term severe depression
• C. Depression with manic episodes
• D. Depression after a major life event

Answer: (A)

Dysthymia is a chronic, low-grade form of depression. It means the mood stays down for a long time, with symptoms that are generally milder than a full major depressive episode. In adults, the mood disturbance lasts most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years (one year for children and adolescents), with only brief interruptions. People with dysthymia often feel persistently sad, tired, and may have low self-esteem, sleep or appetite changes, and difficulties with concentration, but the symptoms aren’t as intense as those seen in major depression. The important distinction is the duration paired with milder intensity, rather than a short, severe episode. This sets it apart from a short-term severe depression, depression with manic episodes, or depression linked to a specific life event, which would point to other diagnoses like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or an adjustment disorder, respectively.

Dysthymia is a chronic, low-grade form of depression. It means the mood stays down for a long time, with symptoms that are generally milder than a full major depressive episode. In adults, the mood disturbance lasts most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years (one year for children and adolescents), with only brief interruptions. People with dysthymia often feel persistently sad, tired, and may have low self-esteem, sleep or appetite changes, and difficulties with concentration, but the symptoms aren’t as intense as those seen in major depression. The important distinction is the duration paired with milder intensity, rather than a short, severe episode. This sets it apart from a short-term severe depression, depression with manic episodes, or depression linked to a specific life event, which would point to other diagnoses like major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or an adjustment disorder, respectively.