10 Dysthymia Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. 'Table 3.5, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Dysthymic Disorder Comparison - Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health - NCBI Bookshelf.' June 2016. National Center for Biotechnology Information, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t6/
- 2. 'Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 8 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/persistent-depressive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20350929
- 3. 'Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just a Little Shyness.' Jefferson, M.D., J. W. 3 Feb. 2001. PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181152/
- 4. 'Know the Signs of Job Burnout.' Mayo Clinic, 21 Nov. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
- 5. 'Anger attacks in depression.' Fava, M., & Rosenbaum, J. F. Aug. 1988, PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9809215/
- 6. 'Depression and Sleep: Understanding the Connection.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/depression-and-sleep-understanding-the-connection
Dysthymia is a mild form of depression that typically lasts for a long time, and symptoms are experienced for two years or more. It commonly begins early, even in childhood, but because it's a less severe form of depression, dysthymia may go undiagnosed. Lingering symptoms such as low energy, poor concentration and irritability may seem normal for children, adolescents or adults.
Dysthymia may also include periods of major depressive episodes. These episodes typically resolve over time. In 2016, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM–5, renamed dysthymia a persistent depressive disorder, or PDD, that combines mild and major chronic depressive symptoms.1‘Table 3.5, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Dysthymic Disorder Comparison - Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health - NCBI Bookshelf.’ June 2016. National Center for Biotechnology Information, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t6/
Chronic Lethargy
People living with dysthymia may have feelings of lethargy or extreme fatigue. Waking up and not really feeling awake throughout the day is a sign something may be wrong. Typically, caffeine doesn't help and sleeping longer or napping doesn't relieve the exhaustion. This type of fatigue interferes with everyday tasks at home and work.
Various health conditions can cause lethargy, so it's prudent to see a doctor who can conduct an exam and may order a series of tests to rule out medical issues. The doctor can refer the person to a mental health professional if test results are normal.2‘Persistent Depressive Disorder (dysthymia) - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 8 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/persistent-depressive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20350929
Brain Fog
Dysthymia may affect some people's cognitive function. When cognitive function is reduced, it can become more difficult to think clearly and remember things, and people can experience slower reaction times. It's commonly referred to as brain fog.
When cognitive dysfunction is combined with other symptoms of dysthymia, such as fatigue, and sadness is experienced regularly, dysthymia could be the reason. Brain fog can hinder a person's ability to work and interact in social situations, and it may also lead to other mood disorders like anxiety.
Avoiding Public Places
People with dysthymia may experience anxiety about being in public and prefer to stay home. Long-lasting depression may cause fears about interacting with people, even friends and family. Avoiding public places is a safe alternative when someone with dysthymia feels inadequate or insecure.
Although anxiety may cause depression, the reverse is also true, especially with dysthymia presenting as chronic depression. After years of depression, pressure to keep up with or act normal around other people can cause anxiety, leading to a social anxiety disorder.3‘Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just a Little Shyness.’ Jefferson, M.D., J. W. 3 Feb. 2001. PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181152/
Self-Criticism or Feelings of Being a Failure
When living with dysthymia, a person who experiences job burnout may blame themselves and feel overwhelming hopelessness. Job burnout is commonly caused by an excessive workload, unattainable requirements from supervisors and missed deadlines. Dysthymia may add to the situation by causing a fear of failure and self-criticism.
It's important to talk with a mental health provider about the management of dysthymia symptoms. If the feelings lead to thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to reach a local crisis center.4‘Know the Signs of Job Burnout.’ Mayo Clinic, 21 Nov. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
Changes in Eating Habits
Changes in eating habits due to dysthymia may lead to unhealthy weight loss or weight gain. When a depressive disorder such as dysthymia becomes chronic, it may cause someone to lose interest in things they once enjoyed, including food. A chronic state of low mood may cause apathy toward eating and can lead to excessive weight loss.
However, dysthymia may lead some people to eat more, especially comfort foods high in sugar and fats. This can cause these people to gain weight.
Trouble Making Decisions
Dysthymia may include other depressive disorders, such as depression-related apathy. This is a lack of motivation and diminished goal-oriented behavior, which may stem from fatigue, feeling unworthy and depression caused by dysthymia.
Poor concentration and constant fatigue can compound a lack of motivation, making it difficult for a person to manage life and work responsibilities. The mild yet chronic depressive state caused by dysthymia may lead to apathy about everyday tasks, including decision-making.
Frequent Irritability or Anger
Anxiety is commonly associated with excessive worrying, which may result in symptoms such as irritability and anger. Long-term anger may be a symptom of dysthymia.
As with other types of depression, dysthymia may alter a person's mood and temperament, leading to frustration and anxiety. These emotions may build and result in irritability and anger. According to an article published by PubMed, one-third of people with depressive disorders have sudden periods of anger and irritability.5‘Anger attacks in depression.’ Fava, M., & Rosenbaum, J. F. Aug. 1988, PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9809215/
Interrupted Sleep Patterns
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 75 percent of people with dysthymia and other depressive disorders have difficulty falling asleep. Once they're sleeping, numerous nighttime wake-ups can make it difficult to get back to a state of deep sleep.
It's common for people with dysthymia to not get enough slow-wave sleep. This is the most restorative sleep stage and it's needed to wake up feeling well-rested. Interrupted sleep patterns commonly lead to daytime sleepiness, which can cause other dysthymia symptoms to become worse.6‘Depression and Sleep: Understanding the Connection.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, Based in Baltimore, Maryland, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/depression-and-sleep-understanding-the-connection
Feeling Down and Hopeless
Hopelessness is a common symptom of dysthymia. When feeling hopeless lasts for a prolonged time, it can affect a person's perception of themselves, others, their personal circumstances and life in general. This hopelessness contributes to the dark or low mood commonly associated with dysthymia and other depressive disorders.
At times, chronic hopelessness may cause a person to feel defeated or have thoughts of suicide. If this happens, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or a local crisis phone line.
Loss of Interest in Favorite Activities
Dysthymia can decrease the ability to feel pleasure, so people infected with it may lose interest in the activities and hobbies they usually enjoy. They may turn down invitations to go swimming, hiking, see a band or attend a party.
Losing interest in activities may stem from the feelings of inadequacy caused by dysthymia. If this occurs and doesn't improve, it's essential to see a physician or psychologist who can offer effective ways to manage these symptoms.
