Making the Diagnosis
A doctor will diagnose a person with dysthymia when he or she has a chronically depressed mood for most days for at least 2 years. For children and adolescents, the mood may be irritability that lasts for more than 1 year. The person must also not go for more than 2 months without experiencing 2 or more of the following:
- low self-esteem
- low energy, tiredness
- sleep irregularities
- changes in appetite
- poor concentration
- hopelessness
During those 2 years, there will have been no major depressive episodes, though there might have been a bout with major depression in the past that has since resolved. A doctor will also want to confirm that symptoms aren't a result of a substance use problem or due to other medical or mental health conditions such as thyroid problems, anemia, or anxiety.
Recognizing and diagnosing dysthymia isn't always simple. People with the condition may not think of themselves as depressed, and often visit doctors with physical rather than psychological complaints. Mental health professionals aren't always consulted until more obvious symptoms are noticed. When dysthymia goes undiagnosed, there's a danger that it can lead to substance abuse or even suicide.