What Is Dysthymic Disorder?

Dysthymia 101

Dysthymia, or dysthymic disorder, is a form of the mood disorder of depression characterized by a lack of enjoyment/pleasure in life that continues for at least six months. It differs from clinical depression in the severity of the symptoms.

While dysthymia usually does not prevent a person from functioning, it prevents full enjoyment of life. Dysthymia also lasts much longer than an episode of major depression. Dysthymia may or may not respond to traditional anti-depressant medication and to other forms of therapy. Dysthymic individuals are often perceived as being ‘dour’ and humourless or as martinets.

Many times a stressful or overwhelming situation, like having a first baby (Postpartum depression), will throw a dysthymic individual into a major depression. When a major depressive episode occurs on top of dysthymia, the condition is referred to as double depression.

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Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, author, and life coach. She has been helping people make smarter life choices since 1998. Get more free tips like this when you subscribe to the GirlShrink newsletter .

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