Dysthymic disorder
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Dysthymic disorder
Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, is a mood disorder that causes some symptoms of depression. Dysthymia is diagnosed when the depressed mood has lasted for at least 1 year in children and 2 years in adults.
Symptoms of dysthymia include interruption in sleep, loss of interest in most activities, feelings of inadequacy or guilt, social withdrawal, and decreased productivity. Dysthymic disorder symptoms are less severe than symptoms of major depression but can last longer and may progress to major depression.
Dysthymia often occurs in people who have personality, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.
Treatment for dysthymia usually includes counseling and sometimes medications, such as antidepressants.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Lila Havens |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | March 21, 2007 |
| Last updated: | March 21, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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