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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen doctors suspect someone has dysthymia, they typically run a series of medical and psychological tests and exams. These can help rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms, pinpoint a diagnosis and also check for any related complications. These exams and tests generally include:
- Physical exam. This may include measuring your height and weight; checking your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; listening to your heart and lungs; and examining your abdomen.
- Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC), screening for alcohol and drugs, and a check of your thyroid function.
- Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider talks to you about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. He or she asks about your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, how they affect your daily life and whether you've had similar issues in the past. You also discuss any thoughts you may have of suicide or self-harm. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires about your mood and state of mind.
Checking for other conditions
Several other conditions have symptoms that may resemble the symptoms of dysthymia, including feeling sad or down, loss of interest in daily activities, and problems sleeping. Your doctor or mental health provider's evaluation will help determine if you have dysthymia or another condition that can affect your mood, such as:
- Adjustment disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Personality disorders
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Substance abuse disorder
Diagnostic criteria for dysthymia
Dysthymia is distinguished from these other conditions by its symptoms and their severity. To be diagnosed with dysthymia, you must meet the symptom criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.
Main criterion
The main criterion to be diagnosed with dysthymia is:
- Having a depressed mood most of the time for two or more years (in children, the duration must be at least one year, and their mood can be irritable rather than depressed).
Additional criteria
In addition to that, you must have at least two of these symptoms, and they must cause you distress or interfere with your ability to function in your daily life:
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Low self-esteem
- Hopelessness
- Poor concentration
- Trouble making decisions
Make sure you understand if you have been diagnosed with dysthymia or another condition so that you can learn more about your specific situation and get appropriate treatment.
