Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) 169
number of individuals will have depressive symptoms that have persisted longer than 2 years
but will not meet criteria for persistent depressive disorder. If full criteria for a major de-
pressive episode have been met at some point during the current episode of illness, they
should be given a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Otherwise, a diagnosis of other
specified depressive disorder or unspecified depressive disorder is warranted. 
Specify if:
With anxious distress (p. 184)
With mixed features (pp. 184–185)
With melancholic features (p. 185)
With atypical features  (pp. 185–186)
With mood-congruent psychotic features (p. 186)
With mood-incongruent psychotic features  (p. 186)
With peripartum onset  (pp. 186–187)
Specify if:
In partial remission  (p. 188)
In full remission  (p. 188)
Specify if:
Early onset:  If onset is before age 21 years.
Late onset:  If onset is at age 21 years or older.
Specify if (for most recent 2 years of persistent depressive disorder):
With pure dysthymic syndrome:  Full criteria for a major depressive episode have not
been met in at least the preceding 2 years.
With persistent major depressive episode:  Full criteria for a major depressive epi-
sode have been met throughout the preceding 2-year period.
With intermittent major depressi ve episodes, with current episode: Full criteria for
a major depressive episode are currently met, but there have been periods of at least
8 weeks in at least the preceding 2 years with symptoms below the threshold for a full
major depressive episode.