CYCLOTHYMIA AND

DYSTHYMIA
TSHEPISO LEKANG
 • Definitions
• Introduction
• Epidemiology
• Cyclothymia
OUTLINE • Dysthymia
• Differences
• Treatment
• Prognosis
DEFINITIONS

Mood disorders: are a group

of clinical conditions
Mood: a dominant and Mood episode: any period
Mood swing: is an extreme characterised by loss of the
sustained emotional state Of time when a patient feels
or rapid change in mood. sense of control & a
expressed internally. abnormality happy or sad.
subjective experience of
great distress.
 INTRODUCTION
• Cyclothymia and Dysthymia are two mild versions of mood disorders which share many similar
features, making it hard to identify а line of demarcation which separates the two terms. 
• However, it is very important to identify the individual characteristic features since both these
conditions often go undiagnosed due their less severe symptoms.
• Cyclothymic disorder usually begins in adolescence or early adult life. Is mild case
of bipolar disorder  and involves cycling between mild depression and mild mania.
• Dysthymia is Early and insidious onset, with a chronic course. Mild, chronic form of depression.
 • The lifetime prevalence of cyclothymic disorder in the United
States and Europe is approximately 0.4%–2.5%. Prevalence in
mood disorders clinics may range from 3% to 5%. In the general
population, cyclothymic disorder is apparently equally common
in males and females. In clinical settings, females with
EPIDEMIOLOGY cyclothymic disorder may be more likely to present for treatment
than males.
• The 12-month prevalence in the United States is approximately
0.5% for dysthymic disorder, with prevalence among women
approximately 1.5  higher than prevalence among men.
CYCLOTHYMIA
DX CRITERIA

For at least 2 years (at least 1 year in

children and adolescents) there have
been numerous periods with
hypomanic symptoms that do not
meet criteria for a hypomanic
episode and numerous periods with
depressive symptoms that do not
meet criteria for a major depressive
episode.
 1. Depressed mood for the majority of time most days for at least 2
years (in children or adolescents for at least 1 year). 
2. At least two of the following: ■ 
• Poor concentration or difficulty making decisions. 
• Feelings of hopelessness. 
• Poor appetite or overeating. 
• Insomnia or hypersomnia. 

DYSTHYMIA • Low energy or fatigue.

• Low self-esteem.
3. During the 2-year period: 
• The person has not been without the above symptoms for >2 months at
a time. 
• May have major depressive episode(s) or meet criteria for major
depression continuously.
• The patient must never have had a manic or hypomanic episode (this
would make the diagnosis bipolar disorder or cyclothymic disorder,
respectively).
 Dysthymia: is only characterized by phases of mild depression.

John, He feels blue a lot, has insomnia, and eats a lot. His girlfriend
thinks he has major depressive disorder, which is what most
people think of when they think of depression. But John heard that
major depressive disorder comes with a lot more symptoms than he
DIFFERENCES has, and those symptoms seem to be more severe than his.

Cyclothymia: is characterized by alternating episodes of both

elevated moods or euphoria and depression.

Pearl isn't like John. Sometimes, she seems like she might have
dysthymia, but other times she's on top of the world and feels
great. She's energized and feels really optimistic about things. She
doesn't need much sleep at all, but doesn't feel tired.
TREATMENT

Dysthymia: Dysthymia
Cyclothymia:
will only need
Cyclothymia will need
antidepressant drug
both antipsychotics
therapy along with
and anti-depressants
psychotherapy.
PROGNOSIS

Cyclothymia: People who Dysthymia: Dysthymia

are suffering from patients have tendency to
Cyclothymia have an get affected by severe
increased risk of developing chronic depression over
bipolar disorder later in life. time.
THANK YOU!