What is characterized by periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms without meeting full criteria for major depressive episodes?

Cyclothymic Disorder is characterized by chronic, fluctuating mood disturbances involving numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods of depressive symptoms. However, these symptoms do not meet the full criteria for either a hypomanic episode or a major depressive episode. This means that individuals with cyclothymic disorder experience mood changes that are less severe than those required to diagnose either of the bipolar disorders or major depressive disorder.

The key aspect of cyclothymic disorder is the persistence of these mood fluctuations over a long duration, typically lasting for at least two years in adults. During this time, individuals can experience multiple episodes of hypomania and depressive symptoms, but the intensity and duration of these episodes fall short of the more severe classifications found in bipolar I or II disorders, or in major depressive disorder. Hence, the correct identification of cyclothymic disorder underscores the importance of recognizing subtler mood disturbances that still significantly impact functioning but do not meet full criteria for major depressive episodes or hypomanic episodes.