DSM-5 criteria - depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, ≥1 year in children.
The Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is a psychosocial scoring tool used in paediatric practice. DSM-5 criteria - depressed mood for most of the day, more days than not, ≥1 year in children. It scores 6 criteria and interprets the total across 2 bands, so the number always arrives with the severity it implies rather than on its own. In PediAid each criterion is shown as a labelled option with the weight it carries, so the total can be checked rather than taken on trust.
6. They are Poor appetite or overeating; Insomnia or hypersomnia; Low energy or fatigue; Low self-esteem; Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions; Feelings of hopelessness.
The total is interpreted as: any score - Below threshold: fewer than 2 accompanying symptoms; 2 criteria met or more - Threshold met: ≥2 symptoms alongside depressed/irritable mood for ≥1 year (children & adolescents; ≥2 years in adults), never symptom-free >2 months.
No. It is a structured way to record and communicate severity. A clinician concerned about a child should act on that concern regardless of the total.
DSM-5 threshold: 2 or more of the 6 criteria listed.
Yes. Score definitions are bundled with the PediAid app, so the score computes without a connection.