Diagnosis
The following are the revised criteria for a diagnosis of Cyclothymic Disorder (DSM-IV-TR 301.13) from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR):
- A. For at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents), the presence of numerous periods with hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods with depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for a Major Depressive Episode
- B. During the above period, the person has not been without the symptoms in A for more than 2 months in the 2 year period
- C. No Major Depressive Episode, Manic Episode, or Mixed Episode has been present during the first 2 years of the disturbance.
- 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. 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.
The DSM-IV-TR notes that the mood disturbance must be not severe enough to constitute a full fledged Manic or Major Depressive episodes. The diagnosis requires that there be periods of both hypomania and depression and periods of normal mood not last longer than 2 months.
The DSM-IV-TR also notes that some clinicians believe that Borderline Personality Disorder is really Cyclothymic Disorder in disguise.
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