Dysthymic disorder, also known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), is a chronic mood disorder that falls within the spectrum of depressive disorders. This condition is characterized by periods of normal mood being interrupted by episodes of depression. Clinical diagnosis of dysthymic disorder requires the presence of symptoms for a duration of two years or more (or one year for teenagers and children).
One of the challenges with dysthymic disorder is that it often goes undiagnosed for many years. This is primarily due to its mild and cyclical nature, leading many individuals with dysthymia to believe that feeling depressed is simply a part of their personality.
Symptoms of Dysthymic Disorder
Identifying dysthymic disorder can be challenging as its symptoms can mimic those of physical illnesses like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Moreover, the presence of other psychological or personality disorders may overshadow the symptoms of dysthymia.
Dysthymic Disorder Compared to Bipolar Disorder
While dysthymia and bipolar disorder are both mental health conditions, they differ in terms of their symptoms and mood fluctuations. Dysthymia, unlike bipolar disorder, does not involve the characteristic manic highs and lows. However, individuals experiencing rapid mood swings may be diagnosed with another condition called cyclothymia.
Dysthymia is characterized by persistent, low-grade episodes of depression, as opposed to the extreme mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. Those with dysthymia may experience periods of depression, but they do not display the manic or hyperactive behavior typically observed in individuals with bipolar disorder. Instead, dysthymia patients generally feel less depressed during times when the disorder is not severe enough to lead to isolation or thoughts of self-harm.