This report examines clinical features of ‘pure’ dysthymic disorder (DD, without superimposed major depressive disorder, MDD) in a sample of children and adolescents. Profiles of symptomatology and comorbidity as a function of age and gender are described. The sample consisted of 48 subjects (22 males, 26 females, age range 7–18 years, mean age 12.1 years) screened from consecutively referred children and adolescents. All subjects were comprehensively diagnosed with structured diagnostic interviews (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age, Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents-Revised), according to DSM-IV criteria. Depressed mood, irritability, loss of energy and fatigue, guilt and low self-esteem were present in more than 70% of the subjects. Differences in symptomatic profile between males and females were not significant. Children showed less symptoms than adolescents, but the symptomatic profile was comparable (only anhedonia was significantly more frequent in adolescents). Anxiety disorders were more commonly comorbid with DD, especially separation anxiety disorder in children (33%) and generalised anxiety disorder in adolescents (67%). Externalising disorders were less frequently represented in our sample (14%). An early diagnosis of ‘pure’ DD before the first episode of MDD is crucial for a timely intervention.

Keywords:
Dysthymic disorder, Major depressive disorder, Anxiety, Child psychiatry
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
2001
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.