1. Health

Discuss in my forum

Diagnosing Cyclothymic Disorder

DSM Criteria


Updated June 13, 2014

There are six check-points a doctor will review with you for diagnosing cyclothymic disorder as per the criteria found in the DSM-IV.

What sets cyclothymic disorder (also known as cyclothymia) apart from the other types of bipolar disorder is that your symptoms last for months or even years without letting up. And yet, these symptoms aren’t quite severe enough (though still very troubling and painful for you) to be called a manic or a major depressive episode. Therefore, diagnosing you with cyclothymic disorder is more a process of ruling out these two distinct types of episodes. In making this diagnosis, your doctor will review your history and current concerns to determine if:

  4. Your mood symptoms are not more likely caused by schizoaffective disorder or they are happening at the same time as symptoms of schizophrenia.

If your doctor, with your input, determines that points one and six are yes while points two through five are no, you will most likely be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder.






©2014 About.com. All rights reserved.

We comply with the HONcode standard
for trustworthy health
information: verify here.