Duration of periods of euthymia in patients with dysthymic disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the duration of periods of euthymia in patients with dysthymia.


METHODS
All patients with dysthymia who came to the Center for Anxiety and Depression over a 10-month period (N = 22) were interviewed by the author regarding the duration of their euthymic episodes.


RESULTS
The 22 patients with dysthymia reported euthymic periods from 2 to 30 days (mean = 8.0 days, SD = 6.6).


CONCLUSIONS
The euthymic period of up to 2 months that is specified in DSM-IV for dysthymic disorder might confound the results of clinical trials. Data from additional groups of dysthymic patients would be useful when considering this issue for DSM-V.
Dunner
D L
DL
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Anxiety and Depression, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. ddunner@u.washington.edu
D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D019263:Dysthymic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013997:Time Factors