Dysthymic Disorder

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Dysthymic Disorder Definition

Dysthymic Disorder is a mood disorder sustained over a two year period, characterized by more days then not of feeling down or sad. These feelings are less intense then major depression but still disrupt everday life.

Dysthymic Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

  1. At least two years* of symptoms, including more days then not of depressed mood.
  2. While depressed, at least two of the following:
    • Feelings of hopelessness.
    • Impairment in cognitive functioning.(E.g.,Hard time concentrating, Hard time in making decisions)
    • Loss of appetite or overeating.
    • Low levels of energy or fatigue.
    • Low self-esteem.
    • Problems with sleep.(E.g.,Insomnia,Hypersomnia)
  3. 3. At no time in the two years of dysthymic disorder symptoms, has there been a symptom free period that lasted two or more months, of 1 and 2 above.
  4. 4.At no time in the two years of dysthymic disorder symptoms, has there been a Major Depressive, Manic or Mixed Episode.
  5. 5. The symptoms are not from another disorder or a substance.
  6. 6. Clinically significant distress from dysthymic disorder symptoms, or impairment in work, social,or other areas of important functioning.

*One year for children and adolescents

Dysthymic Disorder Treatment (Psychotherapy)

  • Adlerian Therapy
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Existential Therapy
  • Gestalt Therapy
  • Person-centered Therapy
  • Psychoanalytic
  • Rational-emotive Therapy
  • Reality Therapy
  • Transactional Analysis

Dysthymic Disorder Treatment (Pharmacotherapy)

 
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