Diagnosing Dysthymia

The symptoms of dysthymia are outlined in a sort of cookbook called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (4th edition) or DSM-IV. Your doctor or psychologist uses this book along with what you have told him to form a diagnosis.

A. A person has depressed mood for most the time almost every day for at least two years. Children and adolescents may have irritable mood, and the time frame is at least one year.

B. While depressed, a person experiences at least two of the following symptoms:

1. Either overeating or lack of appetite. 2. Sleeping too much or having difficulty sleeping. 3. Fatigue, lack of energy. 4. Poor self-esteem. 5. Difficulty with concentration or decision making. 6. Feeling hopeless.

C. A person has not been free of the symptoms during the two-year time period (one-year for children and adolescents).

D. During the two-year time period (one-year for children and adolescents) there has not been a major depressive episode.

E. A person has not had a manic, mixed, or hypomanic episode.

F. The symptoms are not present only during the presence of another chronic disorder.

G. A medical condition or the use of substances (i.e., alcohol, drugs, medication, toxins) do not cause the symptoms.

H. The person's symptoms are a cause of great distress or difficulty in functioning at home, work, or other important areas.