Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Persistent depressive disorder, also called dysthymia, is low mood that lasts most days for at least two years in adults. It is usually milder than major depression but can last for years and affect work, energy and relationships. It is treatable, and many people never realise it has a name.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Persistent low mood lasting 2+ years
- Low energy and fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Low self-esteem
How it is usually treated
- Long-term antidepressant therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Schema Therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I have felt low for years”
- “I am always a little down, even on good days”
- “I think this is just my personality”
- “Nothing feels exciting anymore”
People who live with persistent depressive disorder may also notice generalised anxiety, depression or sleep problems. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if low mood gets much worse or you have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist asks how long the low mood has lasted, whether it has ever lifted for more than a couple of months, and how it affects daily life. People often say 'this is just how I am', so the long timeline is key. Major depression can also occur on top of it.
Treatment and support
- Talk therapy such as CBT, which targets long-standing thinking patterns
- Schema therapy or psychodynamic therapy for deep-rooted patterns, which usually takes months
- Daily routine, activity, sleep and social contact
- Review of any other conditions, such as anxiety
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess long-standing low mood and agree a therapy plan with you, with regular reviews. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist listens to your mood, sleep, appetite, energy and daily life over the past weeks, and asks about earlier episodes, other illness and family history.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads your care. A clinical psychologist can join for talk therapy, and the two share one plan.
Between sessions
Regular reviews check how you are feeling and sleeping, and your plan is adjusted as you improve.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
How is dysthymia different from depression?
Major depression is more intense and usually comes in episodes of weeks to months. Dysthymia is lower in intensity but lasts two years or more. The two can occur together.
Is it just my personality?
Long-term low mood can feel like personality, but it is a treatable condition. A consultation can tell the difference.
How long does treatment take?
It varies, and long-standing patterns often need months of therapy. Your clinician will review progress with you.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
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