Symptoms and Complications
Signs that a person may be suffering from dysthymia include:
- depressed mood for prolonged periods
- gloominess or irritability
- hopelessness or suicidal thoughts
- low self-esteem
- low energy, tiredness
- sleep irregularities
- changes in appetite
- social conflicts or withdrawal
- poor work or school performance
- inability to enjoy once-pleasurable activities or pastimes (a condition
called anhedonia)
- physiologic abnormalities
The severity of these symptoms range depending on the individual. Some people
can still deal with the basic demands of life, while others undergo significant
distress, making it difficult to cope with work, school, or social situations.