Diagnosis information

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

Core diagnostic criteria, specifiers, differential considerations, and documentation support in one open, scan-friendly view.

F34.1Mood DisordersLocal clinical reference

Criteria: 8 criteria, A–H
Specifiers: 7 specifiers
Differentials: 6 considerations
Severity specifier: Supported

Core diagnostic criteria

All criteria are shown. No expand controls or hidden sections.

A
Core criterion A
Depressed mood most of the day, more days than not, for ≥2 years (≥1 yr children/adolescents)
B
Core criterion B
≥2 of: poor appetite/overeating; insomnia/hypersomnia; low energy; low self-esteem; poor concentration; hopelessness
C
Core criterion C
No symptom-free period >2 months in the 2-year span
D
Core criterion D
MDE criteria may be continuously met throughout the 2-year period (double depression)
E
Core criterion E
No manic, hypomanic, or cyclothymic episode
F
Core criterion F
Not better explained by a psychotic disorder
G
Core criterion G
Not attributable to substances or another medical condition
H
Core criterion H
Clinically significant distress or impairment

Specifiers

With pure dysthymic syndrome: Full PDD without concurrent major depressive episode.
With persistent major depressive episode: Full MDE criteria met continuously for ≥2 years.
With intermittent MDEs, with current episode: PDD plus current MDE.
With intermittent MDEs, without current episode: PDD with past MDEs only.
Mild / Moderate / Severe: Based on symptom intensity and functional impairment.
Early onset: Onset before age 21.
Late onset: Onset at age 21 or older.

Documentation support

Consistent with [Persistent Depressive Disorder] [specifier(s)]. Over at least two years (or one year in children/adolescents), there has been a persistently depressed mood accompanied by poor appetite; overeating; insomnia; hypersomnia; low energy; fatigue; low self-esteem; impaired concentration; indecisiveness; feelings of hopelessness, forming a chronic depressive pattern. The presentation is further characterised by symptoms present more days than not, with no remission longer than two months. These symptoms have resulted in clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or interpersonal functioning, and the picture is not better explained by bipolar disorder, cyclothymic disorder, a substance or medication effect, or a primary medical condition.

Adapt this supplied template to the assessment. It is not a substitute for diagnostic reasoning or local documentation requirements.

DSM-5 DiagnosisDSM-mood-persistent-depressive-disorder-dysthymiaSupplied local catalogue