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Definition

noun

A form of clinical depression, characterized by long-term period of unhappiness or irritable mood that goes on for at least two years

Supplement

This condition has symptoms that are less severe than major depression. However, individuals who have dysthymia may experience occasional major depressive episodes.

Word origin: Ancient Greek dysthymia (melancholy), from dys- (bad, ill) + thymos (spirit)

Synonym(s):

• Neurotic depression
• Dysthymic disorder
• Chronic depression

Compare:

• euthymia