dysthymia

American  

[dis-thahy-mee-uh] / dɪsˈθaɪ mi ə /

noun

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

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dysthymia British  

/ dɪsˈθaɪmɪə /

noun

1. the characteristics of the neurotic and introverted, including anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviour

2. obsolete a relatively mild depression

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dysthymia Scientific  

/ dĭs-thī′mē-ə /

1. A mood disorder characterized by chronic mild depression.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• dysthymic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dysthymia

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

Compare meaning

How does dysthymia compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cyclothymia vs. dysthymia

Example Sentences

At its heart, the book is a record of Baek's conversations with her psychiatrist as she navigates dysthymia - a mild but long-lasting type of depression - and anxiety disorders.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2025

For a decade she received treatment for dysthymia, a mild but long-lasting type of depression, which formed the basis of her bestseller, said her Bloomsbury bio.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

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 • Feb. 2, 2022

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

From The Guardian • Jun. 4, 2018

Paradoxically, crying is more commonly associated with minor forms of depression, like dysthymia, than with major depression involving suicidal thoughts.

From New York Times • Nov. 11, 2012