A 35-year-old stockbroker comes to your office, complaining of feeling tired and irritable. She also says she feels like nothing ever goes her way and that nothing good ever happens. When you ask her how long she has felt this way she laughs and says, "Since when have I not?" She relates that she has felt pessimistic about life in general since she was in high school. She denies any problems with sleep, appetite, or concentration, and states she hasn't thought about killing herself. She reports no recent illnesses or injuries. She is single. She smokes one pack of cigarettes a day, drinks occasionally, and hasn't taken any illegal drugs since college. Her mother suffers from depression and her father has high blood pressure. On examination her vital signs and physical examination are unremarkable. What mental health disorder best describes her symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Someone with dysthymia has a depressed mood and symptoms for most of the day, more days than not, for at least 2 years. The disorder generally begins in adolescence and is fairly stable throughout life. Although the symptoms are similar to those of major depression (in this case, fatigue and irritability), they are milder and fewer.

A 35-Year-Old Stockbroker Comes to Your Office, Complaining of Feeling