Which statement best describes Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

Which statement best describes Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)?

• A. Mood disorder with a single major depressive episode
• B. Mood disorder involving persistently depressed mood for at least 2 years with low self-esteem and withdrawal
• C. Mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression
• D. Mood disorder with episodes of severe anxiety but no depressive symptoms

Answer: (B)

Persistent Depressive Disorder is a chronic mood condition defined by a depressed mood most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years in adults (one year in children), often accompanied by low self-esteem, withdrawal, and other symptoms like changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, and poor concentration. The essential idea is the duration and persistence of symptoms, not a single severe episode. While major depressive episodes are hallmark of major depressive disorder, dysthymia is marked by long-lasting, milder depression that can be continuous or with brief normal-mood periods that don’t erase the two-year timeframe. That combination of duration plus persistent low mood with associated signs fits dysthymia best. The other options describe conditions with either discrete episodes of severe depression, alternating mood states with mania, or primary anxiety without depressive symptoms.

Persistent Depressive Disorder is a chronic mood condition defined by a depressed mood most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years in adults (one year in children), often accompanied by low self-esteem, withdrawal, and other symptoms like changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, and poor concentration. The essential idea is the duration and persistence of symptoms, not a single severe episode. While major depressive episodes are hallmark of major depressive disorder, dysthymia is marked by long-lasting, milder depression that can be continuous or with brief normal-mood periods that don’t erase the two-year timeframe. That combination of duration plus persistent low mood with associated signs fits dysthymia best. The other options describe conditions with either discrete episodes of severe depression, alternating mood states with mania, or primary anxiety without depressive symptoms.