Cyclothymic Disorder
The essential feature of Cyclothymic for a major Depressive Episode is a chronic, fluctuating mood disturbance involving numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods of depressive symptoms. The Hypomanic symptoms are of insufficient number, severity, pervasiveness, or duration to meet full criteria for a manic episode, and the depressive symptoms are insufficient number severity, pervasiveness or duration to meet full criteria for Depressive Episode. It is not necessary that any of the periods of hypomanic symptoms meet either the duration or symptom threshold of Hypomanic Episode.
DSM-IV Criteria for 301.13 Cyclothymic Disorder
A. For at least 2 years, the presence of numerous periods with hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods with depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for a
Major Depressive Episode. Note: In children and adolescents, the duration must be at least 1 year.
B. During the above 2-year period (1 year in children and adolescents), the person has not been without the symptoms in Criterion A for more than 2 months at a time.
C. No Major Depressive Episode, Manic Episode, or Mixed Episode has been present during the first 2 years of the disturbance.
Note: After the initial 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents) of Cyclothymic Disorder, there may be superimposed Manic or Mixed Episodes (in which case both Bipolar I Disorder and Cyclothymic Disorder
may be diagnosed) or Major Depressive Episodes (in which case both Bipolar II Disorder and Cyclothymic Disorder may be diagnosed).
D. The symptoms in Criterion A are not better accounted for by Schizoaffective Disorder and are not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder, Delusional
Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified.
E. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism).
F. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Cyclothymic Disorder treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most popular and commonly used psychotherapy for Cyclothymic Disorder.
Interpersonal
Psychoeducational
Supportive - Change Oriented