Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is defined by which duration criterion in adults?

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is defined by which duration criterion in adults?

• A. Mood symptoms lasting less than 2 months
• B. Chronic depressed mood for 5 years
• C. Chronic depressed mood > 2 years in adults (1 year in kids/adolescents) not sx-free for >2 months
• D. Episodes of mania with depression

Answer: (C)

Persistent depressive disorder is defined by a long, ongoing depressive mood. In adults, the mood must be present most of the day, for most days, for at least two years. During that time, there should not be a period of sx-free status longer than two consecutive months. In children and adolescents, the threshold is one year. This chronic, enduring pattern distinguishes PDD from a single major depressive episode, and it allows for some fluctuations in symptoms as long as the overall course remains prolonged. It’s also worth noting that a superimposed major depressive episode can occur on top of dysthymia, a situation sometimes called double depression. Mania or hypomania points to bipolar disorders, not PDD.

Persistent depressive disorder is defined by a long, ongoing depressive mood. In adults, the mood must be present most of the day, for most days, for at least two years. During that time, there should not be a period of sx-free status longer than two consecutive months. In children and adolescents, the threshold is one year. This chronic, enduring pattern distinguishes PDD from a single major depressive episode, and it allows for some fluctuations in symptoms as long as the overall course remains prolonged. It’s also worth noting that a superimposed major depressive episode can occur on top of dysthymia, a situation sometimes called double depression. Mania or hypomania points to bipolar disorders, not PDD.