Depression affects mood, energy, ability to think, relationships, and daily habits such as eating and sleeping. A major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder are more severe and extended episodes of depression with distinct features and symptoms.

Identification

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a book published by the American Psychiatric Association. It contains categories, symptoms and diagnostic criteria for every mental health diagnosis.

Definition

The DSM states that major depressive disorder contains a minimum of five symptoms for much of the day on a daily basis: "depressed mood, diminished interest in pleasure, significant weight loss, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, energy loss, reduced concentration, psychomotor changes (muscle movement), distressed social impairment."

Differences

Dysthymia symptoms are the same as major depressive disorder symptoms, but the DSM clarifies a significant difference in dysthymic symptoms' duration: "a chronically depressed mood for most hours in most days lasting for at least two years."

Features

Severity of symptoms also distinguishes the disorders. Dr. Chris Ballas, a psychiatrist, explains, "Dysthymia is a pervasive low level depression that lasts a long time, often a few years. When major depression is gone the patient is in 'remission' and feels completely normal."

Treatment

Treatment for both disorders includes antidepressants. Ballas notes "high levels of relapse in partially treated depression, while dysthymia usually does not get worse."

Source:

Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV: Major Depressive Disorder

Counselling Resource: Symptoms of Dysthymia

HealthCentral: What Is the Difference Between Dysthymia and Major Depression?