National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

How long must chronic depressed mood persist for a diagnosis of dysthymia?

1. One year

2. Two years

3. Three years

4. Six months

The correct answer is: Two years

For a diagnosis of dysthymia, which is now referred to in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as persistent depressive disorder, a chronic depressed mood must persist for at least two years in adults. This duration reflects the ongoing nature of the condition, distinguishing it from more episodic forms of depression. In children and adolescents, the duration for a diagnosis is at least one year, but for adults, the requirement is set at two years to ensure that the symptoms are persistent and not just transient variations in mood. This specific timeframe helps mental health professionals identify whether the depressed mood is part of a longer-term pattern that affects the individual’s ability to function rather than being a temporary response to life events or situational stressors. Dysthymia is characterized by its chronic nature, impacting a person's emotional and psychological resilience over time, which requires this extended period of symptomatology for an accurate diagnosis.