Do I Have Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

Do you experience a depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated by either subjective account or observation by others, for at least 2 years? Note: In children and adolescents, mood can be irritable and duration must be at least 1 year.

While depressed, do you experience poor appetite or overeating?

While depressed, do you experience insomnia or hypersomnia?

While depressed, do you experience low energy or fatigue?

While depressed, do you experience low self-esteem?

While depressed, do you experience poor concentration or indecisiveness?

While depressed, do you experience feelings of hopelessness?

Can you confirm that during the 2-year period (1 year for children or adolescents) of the disturbance, you have never been without the symptoms described above for more than 2 months at a time?

Can you confirm that there has never been a manic episode or a hypomanic episode and that criteria have never been met for cyclothymic disorder?

Can you confirm that the disturbance is not better explained by a persistent schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder or other specified or unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder?

Can you confirm that your symptoms are not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., drug abuse, medication) or another medical condition (e.g. hypothyroidism)?

Do the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning?

You do not have persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).

It is unlikely you have persistent depressive disorder. However, you are displaying some symptoms related to the disorder. The disorder usually comes and goes over the years. But most of the time the symptoms don’t go away for more than two months each time. You may think that the way you feel is normal and is part of your life. But if you experience any of the symptoms related to the disorder, you should seek medical support. The disorder usually starts between childhood and young adult life.

Unfortunately, you are displaying numerous symptoms typically seen among individuals who have persistent depressive disorder. It is essential to plan a visit to your doctor and discuss your symptoms. If you find it hard or scary to go to your doctor, ask a friend of family member to come along. People who suffer from persistent depressive disorder usually also have anxiety disorders, relationship problems, personality disorder and problems at school or work. It is important to receive early treatment. Prevention is not possible, but there are things that can be done to ward off symptoms for example, controlling stress, keeping a social network and receiving treatment the earliest possible.