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People tend to use the term “depression” as an all-encompassing descriptor of those who experience perpetual sadness. As a result, major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymia are often lumped together in discussions about mental health. However, dysthymia is actually a milder, unique form of depression that impacts roughly 1.5% of adults in the United States over any particular 12-month timeframe. Despite presenting as less intense symptomatology than MDD, dysthymia should still be taken seriously—it often involves extensive periods of feeling desolate and fatigued, which can impair daily functioning. Below is more information so that you can begin understanding dysthymia and how it differs from other types of depression.
Signs and symptoms of dysthymia in adults
Dysthymia, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is present when someone has been feeling depressed for at least two years. In clinical terms, one must have a depressed mood for almost the entirety of every day. Some other common signs and symptoms of dysthymia include undereating or overeating, being unable to sleep or sleeping too much, experiencing fatigue, having low self-esteem, struggling with concentration or decision-making, and feeling hopeless.
Are dysthymia and major depressive disorder (MDD) similar?
Since dysthymia is another form of depression, it is no surprise that there are similarities between this diagnosis and that of major depressive disorder. The most easily recognizable symptom shared by these diagnoses is a low or depressed mood. In fact, according to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), a depressed mood is one of the hallmark ways that depressive disorders manifest. Along with having a symptom common among this categorization of mental illnesses, dysthymia and MDD share additional symptoms. For instance, both may present as disruptions in sleep patterns (e.g., insomnia or hypersomnia), feeling fatigued, and having difficulty concentrating on tasks.
Finally, dysthymia and MDD each affect individuals in ways that are similar, but not quite the same. Signs that are akin to one another yet vary slightly are referred to as parallel symptoms. For example, although people who have dysthymia might overeat or undereat, a diagnosis of MDD necessitates actual weight gain or loss. In addition to changes in one’s eating patterns, there are two other parallel symptoms. While people who have dysthymia can experience low self-esteem and hopelessness, those with MDD may feel disproportionate amounts of guilt and contemplate suicide.
How are dysthymia and MDD different then?
Even though dysthymia and MDD are similar in some domains, several key differences between the diagnoses do exist. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right treatment. First, dysthymia presents longer than MDD. Individuals who have dysthymia experience symptoms for a minimum of two years, a period in which symptoms may not be absent for greater than two months consecutively.
Conversely, to meet the diagnostic criteria for MDD, people only need to exhibit changes in their mood and behavior for two weeks. Moreover, the number of symptoms necessary to be diagnosed with dysthymia and MDD also differs. While the former requires at least two symptoms, the latter necessitates no fewer than five.
Lastly, MDD impacts people in two ways that dysthymia does not. Those with MDD may experience psychomotor agitation, which is characterized by making aimless movements, and be unable to take pleasure in the activities they used to like, a phenomenon known as anhedonia.
What might this information mean for me?
If you are exhibiting symptoms of dysthymia, do not fret. There are effective treatment options that can help improve your quality of life. Research suggests that various antidepressant medications are successful in aiding individuals with dysthymia. Additionally, psychotherapy is useful, especially when combined with medication. Aside from these approaches to treatment, there are other ways of managing dysthymia. These strategies include exercising consistently, consuming a nutritious diet, venting to a trusted peer or family member, journaling about how you are feeling, and creating achievable goals.
Conclusory points
In summary, dysthymia is a milder form of depression that causes one to experience symptoms for a longer period of time than MDD. Meanwhile, other key differences between these two diagnoses include variations in symptomatology and the quantity of symptoms required for a diagnosis. While dysthymia is considered to be a less intense version of MDD, it should not be ignored. Dysthymia can make it difficult for people to function and participate in daily activities.
Subsequently, if you or a loved one are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is definitely worth reaching out for help. There are numerous resources available to assist you in understanding dysthymia, all of which can help you live a content and fulfilling life.
Note: Although I cite a source that uses the DSM-IV, all information about dysthymia in this article is consistent with that of the DSM-V.
