Cyclothymic disorder

[Dianne]

In cyclothymic disorder, relatively mild and short episodes of elation (hypomania) alternate with mild and short episodes of sadness (depression).
Cyclothymic disorder resembles bipolar disorder but is less severe. The episodes of elation and sadness are less intense, typically last for only a few days, and recur fairly often at irregular intervals. This disorder may develop into bipolar disorder or may continue as extreme moodiness.
Having cyclothymic disorder may contribute to success in business, leadership, achievement, and artistic creativity. However, it may also result in uneven work and school records, frequent change of residence, repeated romantic breakups or marital failure, and alcohol use and other substance use disorders.
Doctors diagnose cyclothymic disorder based on the distinctive pattern of symptoms.

[Hina Muqadas]

Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by hypomanic and mini-depressive periods that last a few days, follow an irregular course, and are less severe than those in bipolar disorder; these symptom periods must occur for more than half the days during a period of ≥ 2 years. Diagnosis is clinical and based on history. Management consists primarily of education, although some patients with functional impairment require drug therapy.
Cyclothymic disorder is commonly a precursor of bipolar II disorder. However, it can also occur as extreme moodiness without becoming a major mood disorder.
In chronic hypomania, a form rarely seen clinically, elated periods predominate, with habitual reduction of sleep to