Dysthymia is a mood disorder that falls within the depression spectrum. Not considered to be as severe as major depression, dysthymic disorder is generally thought to be a chronic depression.

According to the APA, DSM-IV (2000), two or more of six possible symptoms must be present for a diagnosis of dysthymia. These symptoms include poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness.

An individual must experience symptoms for at least two years and should have no longer than a two-month period without symptoms being present. These symptoms must result in clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, academic, or other major areas of functioning. This disorder tends to be a chronic, long-lasting illness.

treating dysthymia with naturopathic medicine