To diagnose this condition, an adult must have a depressed mood for at least 2 years (or one year in children and adolescents), along with at least 2 of the above symptoms.

Changes in sleep patterns, such as fitful sleep, inability to sleep, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much.

Weight and/or appetite changes due to over- or under-eating.

Less ability to concentrate, think, and/or make decisions.

Each person may experience symptoms differently. What are the symptoms of dysthymia?ĭysthymia is milder, yet more long lasting than major depression. Chronic stress and trauma have also been linked to this condition.ĭysthymia seems to run in families, but no genes have yet been linked to it. These include environmental, psychological, biological, and genetic factors. Many factors are thought to contribute to depression. Mental health professionals think it’s a result of chemical imbalances in the brain. There is no clear cause for this type of depression.

Some people may also have depression or bipolar disorder. Treatment is key to recovery.ĭysthymia affects women twice as often as men. People with depression can’t 'snap out of it' and get better. It’s not a sign of weakness or something that can be willed or wished away.

It’s not the same as being unhappy or in a 'blue' mood. It affects the way you eat and sleep, think about things, and feel about yourself. People with this condition may also have bouts of major depression at times.ĭepression is a mood disorder that involves your body, mood, and thoughts. It’s also called persistent depressive disorder. Dysthymia is a milder, but long-lasting form of depression.

Another word for running down