Dysthymia

Dysthymia or dysthymic disorder is a form of the mood disorder of depression characterised by a lack of enjoyment/pleasure in life that continues for at least two years. 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. Outsiders often perceive dysthymic individuals as 'dour' and humourless or as martinets.

Related Topics:
Mood disorder - Depression - Martinet

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Many times a stressful or overwhelming situation, like having a first baby (see postpartum depression), will throw a dysthymic individual into a major depression.

Related Topics:
Stress - Postpartum depression - Major depression

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When a major depressive episode occurs on top of dysthymia, clinicians may refer to the resultant condition as double depression.

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Approximately 6% of the population of the United States has dysthymia.

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Contrary to popular use, one should pronounce "dysthymia" as - following the origins of "thalamus", "thyroid" and "thyric".

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