Dysthymia Disorders Treated with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) at New York Behavioral Health

Dysthymia Description

Dysthymic Disorder, according to the DSM-IV-TR, is a Mood Disorder.  It is characterized by depressive symptoms that include at least two of the following:

• 1) poor appetite or overeating

• 2) insomnia or hypersomnia

• 3) low energy or fatigue

• 4) low self-esteem

• 5) poor concentration or difficulty making decisions

• 6) feelings of hopelessness

These symptoms must occur more days than not for at least two years, in order to receive this diagnosis.  Only a professional (e.g., psychologist or psychiatrist) can make such a diagnosis and exclusionary and other relevant criteria exist.