dysthymia
Persistent low mood
Dysthymia is a chronic, low-grade depression lasting two years or more.
Unlike major depression, it doesn't involve dramatic episodes—instead, a persistent grayness that becomes the baseline: She didn't realize it was dysthymia; she just thought she'd always been a pessimist.
The clinical term is now persistent depressive disorder, but dysthymia remains common in conversation.
Inability to feel enjoyment
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- apathyAbsence of feeling
- hopelessnessState without hope
- low self-esteemNegative view of oneself
poor concentration · indecisiveness · insomnia · hypersomnia · appetite changes · social withdrawal · irritability · guilt
State of emotional pain
- gloomPervasive dimness or dejection
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
- despondencyProfound loss of hope
- joylessnessLack of delight
bleakness · heaviness · somberness · dejection · unhappiness · malaise · emptiness · flatness
Continuing despite difficulty
- long-termLasting extended period
- enduringPersisting through time
- protractedExtended beyond normal duration
- sustainedKept up continuously
lasting · continual · unrelenting · ongoing · unremitting · smoldering · low-grade · baseline
Prolonged low state
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- psychiatryMental health medicine
- mental healthEmotional and cognitive well-being
- DSMPsychiatric classification manual
psychotherapy · antidepressants · therapy · counseling · psychologist · treatment · comorbidity · major depression
anhedonia
Inability to feel enjoyment
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- apathyAbsence of feeling
- hopelessnessState without hope
low self-esteem · poor concentration · indecisiveness · insomnia · hypersomnia · appetite changes · social withdrawal · irritability · guilt · worthlessness
sadness
State of emotional pain
- gloomPervasive dimness or dejection
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
- despondencyProfound loss of hope
joylessness · bleakness · heaviness · somberness · dejection · unhappiness · malaise · emptiness · flatness · gray
persistent
Continuing despite difficulty
- long-termLasting extended period
- enduringPersisting through time
- protractedExtended beyond normal duration
sustained · lasting · continual · unrelenting · ongoing · unremitting · smoldering · low-grade · baseline · pervasive
depression
Prolonged low state
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
- psychiatryMental health medicine
- mental healthEmotional and cognitive well-being
DSM · psychotherapy · antidepressants · therapy · counseling · psychologist · treatment · comorbidity · major depression · double depression
dysthymiaeuphoria
Intense emotional high
mania · hypomania · elation · exuberance · cheerfulness
dysthymiamajor depressive disorder
Psychiatric illness causing persistent despair
clinical depression · melancholia · major depression · severe depression