Dysthymia is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Acute mania
• B. Persistent Mild Depression
• C. Severe anxiety
• D. Bipolar disorder

Answer: (B)

Dysthymia is a chronic mood disorder defined by a persistently low mood that lasts most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years in adults. The sadness is usually mild to moderate, with accompanying symptoms like low energy, poor concentration, low self-esteem, sleep problems, and a sense of hopelessness, which together create a lasting but less intense depressive state than a major depressive episode. This distinguishes it from acute mania (a hallmark of bipolar disorder with elevated mood and increased activity), severe anxiety (anxiety disorder rather than depressive), and bipolar disorder (involves swinging between depression and mania, not a steady, mild depressive mood). So the description that fits dysthymia best is persistent mild depression.