*cyclothymic

Cyclothymic disorder is a mild form of bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness) in which a person has mood swings over a period of years that go from mild depression to emotional highs.

Episodes of hypomania (see: Bipolar disorder) and mild depression occur for at least 2 years (1 or more years in children and adolescents)

Mood swings are less severe than in bipolar disorder or major depression

Symptoms are persistent, with no more than 2 symptom-free months in a row