Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Depressed mood most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years.
How it presents
chronic low-grade depressed mood ≥2 years, plus poor appetite/overeating, insomnia/hypersomnia, low energy, poor self-esteem, poor concentration, hopelessness; no >2-month remission
Tell it apart from
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar depression
Treatment reasoning
CBT/interpersonal therapy and/or SSRI; treatment often longer-term; combination for chronic forms.