dysthymia

[ dis-thahy-mee-uh ]

noun

1. depression; despondency or a tendency to be despondent.

dysthymia

/ dɪsˈθaɪmɪə /

noun

1. the characteristics of the neurotic and introverted, including anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviour
2. obsolete.
   a relatively mild depression

dysthymia

/ dĭs-thī′mē-ə /

1. A mood disorder characterized by chronic mild depression.

Derived Forms

• dysˈthymic, adjective

Other Words From

• dys·thymic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysthymia¹

1840–50; < New Latin < Greek dysthymía; dys-, -thymia

Word History and Origins

Origin of dysthymia¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek dusthumia, from dys- + thumos mind

Example Sentences

Flashbacks to the uneasy beginning of his relationship with Turid prove he was already detached from his emotional core, suffering from dysthymia for years prior to the ship burning.

From Los Angeles Times

My doctor explained to me that persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia, was a type of “functional depression” that lasts for years and often for a lifetime.

From Washington Post

The term dysthymia is also used for mild, long-term depression – usually lasting two years or more.

From The Guardian

Existential depression, which might be better classified as dysthymia, is another form which differs in scope and substance.

From New York Times

I’ve been previously diagnosed with panic disorder, dysthymia, eating disorder not otherwise specified and anxiety.

From Salon