dysthymic
Persistently low-spirited
Dysthymic describes someone affected by dysthymia—a chronic, low-grade depression that persists for years rather than occurring in intense episodes.
A dysthymic person functions but with a persistent undertone of gloom, low energy, or joylessness: Her dysthymic temperament made even good news feel muted.
The clinical term is now "persistent depressive disorder."
Continuing despite difficulty
- long-termLasting extended period
- enduringPersisting through time
- protractedExtended beyond normal duration
- lastingContinuing through time
sustained · lingering · prolonged · continual · low-grade · smoldering · ongoing · unremitting
Moderate in intensity
- moderateLessen intensity or preside
- subclinicalBelow symptom detection level
- low-gradeOf poor quality
- functionalAble to operate correctly
high-functioning · subtle · muted · subdued · manageable · quiet · underlying · baseline
State of emotional pain
- hopelessnessState without hope
- anhedoniaInability to feel enjoyment
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- lethargyAbnormal drowsiness and apathy
apathy · insomnia · irritability · indecisiveness · pessimism · rumination · withdrawal · malaise
Subdued, lasting sadness
- gloomPervasive dimness or dejection
- despondencyProfound loss of hope
- bleaknessQuality of being dreary
- heavinessState of being weighty
somberness · glumness · dejection · downheartedness · blue · low-spirited · moroseness · woefulness
Identification of illness
- DSMPsychiatric classification manual
- psychiatryMental health medicine
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
- antidepressantsMedications treating clinical despair
serotonin · neurotransmitters · counseling · cognitive-behavioral · therapy · medication · screening · comorbidity
persistent
Continuing despite difficulty
- long-termLasting extended period
- enduringPersisting through time
- protractedExtended beyond normal duration
lasting · sustained · lingering · prolonged · continual · low-grade · smoldering · ongoing · unremitting · pervasive
mild
Moderate in intensity
- moderateLessen intensity or preside
- subclinicalBelow symptom detection level
- low-gradeOf poor quality
functional · high-functioning · subtle · muted · subdued · manageable · quiet · underlying · baseline · temperamental
sadness
State of emotional pain
- hopelessnessState without hope
- anhedoniaInability to feel enjoyment
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
lethargy · apathy · insomnia · irritability · indecisiveness · pessimism · rumination · withdrawal · malaise · listlessness
melancholy
Subdued, lasting sadness
- gloomPervasive dimness or dejection
- despondencyProfound loss of hope
- bleaknessQuality of being dreary
heaviness · somberness · glumness · dejection · downheartedness · blue · low-spirited · moroseness · woefulness · brooding
diagnosis
Identification of illness
- DSMPsychiatric classification manual
- psychiatryMental health medicine
- psychotherapyTreatment through guided conversation
antidepressants · serotonin · neurotransmitters · counseling · cognitive-behavioral · therapy · medication · screening · comorbidity · SSRI