A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with dysthymic disorder (persistent depressive disorder). Which of the following is a characteristic feature of dysthymic disorder?

A brief period of intense depressive symptoms followed by a complete return to baseline mood

A chronic low mood that lasts for at least two years, but with fewer and less severe symptoms than major depressive disorder

Symptoms of depression that last for a minimum of two weeks and occur only during the winter months

Sudden, intense depressive episodes that are followed by periods of high energy and impulsive behavior