Final answer:
Dysthymic disorder, or Persistent Depressive Disorder, is diagnosed when a depressed mood is present for most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years, along with two or more specific symptoms. It is a chronic and long-lasting form of depression with persistent symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Dysthymic Disorder
To diagnose dysthymic disorder, also known as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), a healthcare professional will look for a depressed mood that occurs most of the day, for more days than not, for at least two years in adults (one year in children and adolescents). Criteria include the presence of two or more of the following symptoms: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low energy or fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration or difficulty making decisions, and feelings of hopelessness. In this context, the term 'findings' might refer to the necessary symptoms required for diagnosis. While Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) typically involves more severe symptoms over a shorter timeframe, dysthymia is characterized by longer-lasting but less intense symptoms.
It is important to note that dysthymic disorder is a chronic form of depression; those experiencing it may have periods of major depression as well as intervals of less severe symptoms, but the defining characteristic is the long-term persistence of a depressed mood.