Guest guest Posted September 14, 2001 Report Share Posted September 14, 2001 Actually the criteria of the DSM IV for major depression include the presence of the symptoms for 2 weeks, not 3 months. And dysthymia (often called prolonged minor depression) is the presence of depressed mood for more days than not for at least 2 years without a major depressive episode. They can't go 2 months without the symptoms. It can last for years. No remission is necessary to meet criteria for this disorder. However, if the person an episode of major depression, they have to have a 2 month remission before dysthymia can be diagnosed. You might want to check out any one of the internet sites with the DSM IV criteria. Diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders is what I do. in Seattle > > I am a social worker, so I've worked in alot of > fields. I don't think dysthymia is " low grade " > depression, I believe it means that periods of > depression cycle with periods on non depression. > Major depression is having symptoms of depression all > the time for at least 3 months or more. Dysthymia is > more cycling in and out of depression. I have > personally been diagnosed with both, at different > times in my life. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.