Diagnostic Features:

Dysthymic Disorder is a chronic condition characterized by depressive symptoms that occur for most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years. In children, the mood may be irritable rather than depressed, and the required minimum duration is only 1 year. During this 2-year period (1 year for children or adolescents), any symptom-free interval can not last longer than 2 months. By definition, this diagnosis is not made if there are any Hypomanic, Manic or Mixed Episodes. This disorder's depressive symptoms are not due to a medical condition, medication, illegal drug, or Psychotic Disorder. In the first 2 years of this disorder, if the depressive symptoms intensify to meet the full criteria for a Major Depressive Episode; the diagnosis would be changed to Major Depressive Disorder. It is common for an individual to have 2 or more years of Dysthymic Disorder, then later develop a Major Depressive Episode. In such cases ("double depression"), both Major Depressive Disorder and Dysthymic Disorder are diagnosed. Once the Major Depressive Episode disappears, but the dysthymic symptoms persist, only Dysthymic Disorder is diagnosed.

Complications:

By definition, there must clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important functioning as result of the mood disturbance. In childhood, this disorder is often associated with impaired school performance and poor social interaction. Children and adolescents with this disorder are usually irritable and cranky as well as depressed. They have low self-esteem, poor social skills, and are pessimistic.

http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-md04.html

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Note added at 3 hrs (2010-07-31 15:20:20 GMT)
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dysthymia (dis-thi´me-ә) dysthymic disorder. [link to dysthymic disorder]


http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands_split.j...

dysthymic disorder (dis-thi´mik) a chronic mood disorder characterized by sad or depressed feelings, 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.

http://www.mercksource.com/pp/us/cns/cns_hl_dorlands_split.j...