psychiatric disorders
Cyclothymic Disorder
Introduction
Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by hypomanic and mini-depressive symptoms 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 medications. Cyclothymic disorder is commonly a precursor of Bipolar Disorders . However, it can also occur as extreme moodiness without becoming a major mood disorder. Inchronic hypomania,a form rarely seen clinically, elated periods predominate, with habitual reduction of sleep to<6 hours. People with this form are constantly overcheerful, self-assured, overenergetic, full of plans, improvident, overinvolved, and meddlesome; they rush off with restless impulses and may act in an overfamiliar manner with people. For some people, cyclothymic and chronic hypomanic dispositions contribute to success in business, leadership, achievement, and artistic creativity; however, they more often have serious detrimental interpersonal and social consequences. Consequences often include instability with an uneven work and schooling history, impulsive and frequent changes of residence, repeated romantic or marital breakups, and an episodic abuse of alcohol and drugs. (See also Overview of Mood Disorders .) 