Dysthymia — Persistent Depressive Disorder
Dysthymia (current clinical name: Persistent Depressive Disorder) is a form of chronic depression that is milder in intensity than MDD but lasts at least two years (one year in children and adolescents). A person with dysthymia rarely feels "good" — there is a chronically depressed mood along with at least two of the following: appetite changes, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, and feelings of hopelessness.
Dysthymia is frequently underdiagnosed because the person (and sometimes even health professionals) normalizes the state — "I've always been like this," "I'm just a sad person by nature." But it is a treatable condition with psychotherapy and, in many cases, medication.
An estimated 3–5% of the population experiences dysthymia at some point. It often coexists with MDD episodes ("double depression"), anxiety, and personality disorders. Treatment tends to take longer than for MDD alone.
Practical example
Luisa says she's "always been a bit down" since adolescence. She has never felt real joy, struggles to make decisions, and feels chronically unsure of herself. She isn't in acute crisis, but she doesn't feel well either — and this has gone on for years. This chronic, low-intensity pattern is characteristic of dysthymia.
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