Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a type of bipolar disorder (BD) that is diagnosed if recurring hypomanic and depressive symptoms are not intense or severe enough, or don’t last long enough, to qualify as BD I or II — nor are the depressive episodes severe enough to be diagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD). Cyclothymia’s episodes must alternate for at least two years, with symptoms lasting anywhere from hours to months. Its mood swings cause difficulties with concentration, thought, energy, and behavior, as well as changes in sleep and eating patterns.