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/
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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
