cyclothymic

adjective

cy·​clo·​thy·​mic ˌsī-klə-ˈthī-mik How to pronounce cyclothymic (audio)
: relating to or being a mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of depression and elation in a form less severe than that of bipolar disorder

Examples of cyclothymic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mood disorders can take a variety of forms, including MDD or BD as mentioned above, as well as depression that is a result of substance use or medication; Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); or cyclothymic disorder, which causes unpredictable emotional swings. Garen Staglin, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2021 Cyclothymia or cyclothymic disorder is defined by recurrent hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not so severe to count as clinical mania or clinical depression. Michelle Pugle, Health, 23 Jan. 2023 That means there’s not enough research on medications that can best treat cyclothymic disorder or unspecified bipolar disorder. Ashley Abramson, SELF, 11 Feb. 2022 Like other types of bipolar disorder, a cyclothymic disorder diagnosis requires specific criteria. Ashley Abramson, SELF, 28 Oct. 2021 Although the symptoms don’t meet the diagnostic requirements for hypomanic and depressive episodes, having cyclothymic disorder increases a person’s risk of developing bipolar disorder. Korin Miller, SELF, 3 Oct. 2018 Those with cyclothymic disorder, however, have episodes that are mild or moderate and don't meet the criteria for a full manic or depressive episode. Carolyn Todd, SELF, 13 Dec. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyclothymic was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near cyclothymic

Cite this Entry

“Cyclothymic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclothymic. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

cyclothymic

1 of 2 adjective
cy·​clo·​thy·​mic -ˈthī-mik How to pronounce cyclothymic (audio)
: relating to, having, or being a mood disorder characterized by alternating short episodes of depression and hypomania in a form less severe than that of bipolar disorder compare cycloid

cyclothymic

2 of 2 noun
: a cyclothymic individual
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