Cyclothymia

/ˌsaɪ.kloʊ.θaɪˈmi.ə/ noun

Definition

A mood disorder characterized by multiple periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are less severe than full bipolar disorder episodes, but occur frequently and persistently.

Etymology

From cyclo- (circle, cycling) + Greek 'thymos' (mood, spirit, soul) + '-ia' (condition), literally meaning 'a condition of cycling moods.'

Kelly Says

People with cyclothymia often get missed by doctors because their mood swings seem 'not bad enough' to diagnose, but the constant cycling can be as exhausting as bipolar I or II—recognizing it has changed many lives.

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