Dysthymic disorder is best described as which?

• A. Major depressive disorder
• B. Dysthymic disorder: less severe depression with at least 3 symptoms for about 2 years
• C. Bipolar disorder
• D. Adjustment disorder

Answer: (B)

Chronic, milder depression that persists for years is the hallmark of dysthymic disorder, now called persistent depressive disorder. The description “less severe depression with at least three symptoms for about two years” fits this pattern: a depressed mood that lasts most of the day, for most days, over a long duration, with multiple accompanying symptoms but without the intense, disabling episodes seen in major depression.

In contrast, major depressive disorder involves more severe symptoms that cause clear impairment and require fewer episodes with higher intensity. Bipolar disorder includes manic or hypomanic episodes in addition to depressive periods, which isn’t implied here. Adjustment disorder revolves around emotional symptoms in response to a specific identifiable stressor and doesn’t meet criteria for another depressive disorder. Therefore, the described option best matches persistent depressive disorder.