Hmm, I can't really say for sure. I know that in my own experience there is almost no ebb and flow to what I feel, just a constant sadness, hopelessness, lack of motivation/self-esteem that permeates every aspect of my life that I just can't get rid of. I cannot remember ever feeling any different and I know from others how little I've changed in my attitudes since I was little. However, I've never totally lost my ability to function, which I think is important for the diagnosis of dysthymia. I guess it comes down to which you think it is.