In the latter years of the eighties dysthymic disorders have stimulated increasing research.
The DSM-111 category of depressive neurosis has become dysthymia in the DSM-111-R.
This is however, regarded as distinct from mild major depression. Dysthymia (or depression neurosis) includes depressed mood for most days at least two years plus two of the following:
- Poor appetite or overeating
- Insomnia or hyposomnia
- Low energy or fatigue
- Low self esteem
- Poor concentration of difficulty making decisions
- Feeling of hopelessness
The idea that there are cycles in neurasthenia has been for some centuries. There are suggestion three forms of cyclical disorder.
These are
- Hyperthymic disorder, where the individual cycles in and out of hypomanic episodes many of whom may nor present for treatment
- Cyclothymic disorder, where the individual cycles into both hypomania and depression
- Subaffective dysthymic disorder where the cycle is only into depression, although tricyclic anti depressants may trigger hypomania.
