Cyclothymia (Cyclothymic Disorder) is a milder yet chronic mood disorder characterized by fluctuations between low-level depressive symptoms and hypomanic-like symptoms that don’t meet the full criteria for major depression or full hypomania/mania.
Key Points:
- Duration Criteria: Symptoms persist for at least 2 years in adults (1 year in children/adolescents), with relatively few symptom-free intervals.
- Symptoms: Periods of elevated mood, increased energy, or creativity, alternating with mild depression, lethargy, or sadness.
- Impact: While symptoms may be less severe than bipolar disorder, the chronic nature can still disrupt life.
- Treatment: Psychotherapy (often CBT or interpersonal therapy), lifestyle regulation (sleep, exercise), and sometimes mood-stabilizing medication.
