cyclothymic
adjective
cy·clo·thy·mic
ˌsī-klə-ˈthī-mik 
: 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
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Cyclothymic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclothymic. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share