William H. Reading, MD

Psychiatric Disorders

Long-Term Depression (Dysthymic Disorder)

Long-term depression or dysthymic disorder is diagnosed in adults only after depression, along with two of the following, has been present for at least two years.  (One year for children or adolescents) Dysthymic disorder is also called dysthymia, depressive neurosis, neurotic depression, depressive personality disorder, or persistent anxiety depression.  This form of depression, when diagnosed in adulthood, may have been present since childhood.

• Poor appetite or overeating
• Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Low energy or fatigue
• Low self-esteem
• Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions
• Feelings of hopelessness