Clinical Diagnosis · Nervous System · Hard
Dysthymia
Meaning: A chronic, milder form of depression lasting at least two years.
In practice: She had dysthymia, feeling low most days for many years.
Word parts
- dys- means difficult or abnormal
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: The triad of neck stiffness, headache and light sensitivity suggesting irritation of the brain's protective membranes.
Answer: Meningismus
Which word means: Abnormally low oxygen levels in the arterial blood.
Answer: Hypoxaemia
Words like dysthymia come up in the daily game
One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.