A chronic form of depression characterized by persistent depressed mood lasting at least two years in adults (one year in children), with symptoms that are less severe than major depression but more enduring. Also known as persistent depressive disorder.
From Greek 'dys' (bad, abnormal) and 'thymos' (spirit, mood), meaning 'ill-spirited' or 'bad mood.' The term was introduced in 1980 to describe chronic, low-grade depression that doesn't meet criteria for major depressive disorder but significantly impacts quality of life.
People with dysthymia often describe feeling like they've 'always been this way,' as the condition typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and becomes part of their personality. Because symptoms are chronic but less severe than major depression, dysthymia is often underdiagnosed - people may function reasonably well but never feel truly happy or fulfilled.
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