Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cyclothymia

noun
/ˌsaɪ.kloʊˈθaɪ.mi.ə/
Definition
Cyclothymia is a mood disorder characterized by periods of hypomania and mild depression.
Examples
  • Her diagnosis of cyclothymia helped explain the extreme mood swings she experienced over the years.
  • Despite living with cyclothymia, he manages to lead a productive life by using coping strategies.
Meaning
Individuals with cyclothymia experience fluctuations between elevated moods (hypomania) and periods of depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for major depressive episodes.
Synonyms
  • mood disorder
  • affective disorder
  • bipolar disorder (in a mild form)