dysthymia (redirected from Disthymia)

dysthymia /dys·thy·mia/ (-thi´me-ah) dysthymic disorder.

---

dys·thy·mi·a (ds-thm-)

n.

A mood disorder characterized by despondency or mild depression.

---

dys·thymic adj.

---

dysthymia

[disthim′ē·ə]

Etymology: Gk, dys + thymos, mind

a form of chronic unipolar depression that tends to occur in elderly persons with debilitating physical disorders, multiple interpersonal losses, and chronic marital difficulties. Several depressive episodes may merge into a low-grade chronic depressive state.

---

dysthymic disorder 

a chronic mood disorder characterized by depressed feeling (sad, blue, low), loss of interest or pleasure in one's usual activities, and other symptoms typical of depression but tending to be longer in duration and less severe than in major depressive disorder.

---

dysthymia (dis·thīˑ·mē·),

n a chronic form of a depressive disorder, symptoms of which are not as severe as other types of depressive disorders. An individual must present with feelings of depression on a daily basis for a period of at least two years to be diagnosed with this condition. At least three of the following symptoms must also be indicated over the same period of time: fatigue, low self-esteem, pessimistic attitude, a noninterest in typical activities, decreased concentration, irritability, decreased productivity, and excessive guilt. A full criteria for diagnosis is available in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or
DSM-IV. Counseling, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and botanical medicines may lessen symptoms associated with this condition.