Cyclothymic Disorder Cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a relatively mild form of bipolar II disorder characterized by mood swings that may seem almost within the normal range of emotions. These mood swings range from mild depression, or dysthymia, to low-intensity mania, or hypomania. Cyclothymia may go undiagnosed and individuals with this disorder may not be aware that they have a treatable disease. Individuals with cyclothymia may experience episodes of low-level depression, known as dysthymia; periods of intense energy, creativity and/or irritability, known as hypomania; or they can alternate between both moods. Like other bipolar disorders, cyclothymia is a chronic illness characterized by mood swings that can occur every day and last several days, weeks, months, or up to two years. Individuals suffering from this disorder are never free from symptoms of hypomania or mild depression for more than two consecutive months (Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders). German psychiatrist Ewald Hecker introduced the concept of cyclothymia in 1877, but its definition evolved from a mild problem with mood to its current state, in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), as a disorder of mood along with bipolar disorder and major depression. Cyclothymic disorder also appears in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), published by the World Health Organization. Those who suffer from this disorder usually fail to recognize it as well as the doctors who treat them due to the thin line between pathological and normal mood swings (Colino, 2005). Cyclothymic disorder often begins early in life and is sometimes considered a reflection of temperament. ..... middle of sheet ......rencesEncyclopedia of Mental Disorders: Br-Del. http://www.minddisorders.com/Br-Del/Cyclothymic-disorder.html. Retrieved April 10, 2006. Bipolar Disorder Today. Cyclomic disorder. DSM IV criteria. http://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/cyclo.htm Retrieved April 10, 2006. Colino, S. A sudden change in moods. With cyclothymia, a milder form of bipolar disorder, life's little ups and downs can loom large. Washington Post, December 20, 2005. http://www.biopsychiatry.com/misc/cyclothymia.html. Retrieved April 8, 2006. Cyclothymic disorder. http://www.merck.com/mrkshared/mmanual/section15/chapter189/189e.jsp. Retrieved April 8, 2006. Cyclomic disorder. http://www.minddisorders.com/Br-Del/Cyclothymic-disorder.html. Retrieved April 9, 2006. Treatment of Cyclomic Disorder. http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx38t.htm. April extract 10, 2006.