A review of a new client's electronic health record reveals that the client was diagnosed with dysthymic disorder 2 years earlier. When planning this client's care, the nurse should be cognizant of what characteristic of this disorder?

Question

A) Dysthymic disorder is a form of depression that is attributable to organic brain changes rather than to life circumstances.
B) Dysthymic disorder is a form of chronic depression in which the individual experiences symptoms on a relatively consistent basis.
C) Dysthymic disorder is the diagnosis that is assigned after an individual has failed to respond to conventional treatments for major depression.
D) Dysthymic disorder is a normal, but severe, response to challenging life events such as the death of a loved one or financial difficulties.

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
Dysthymia is a chronic depression in which symptoms, such as poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or excessive sleep, low energy, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness, are experienced by the individual. Diagnostic criteria include depressed or irritable mood most of the day, occurring more days than not for at least 2 years. It is not necessarily attributable to organic brain changes, and the diagnosis is not assigned after the failure of treatment for major depression.