Common Name(s):
Bipolar Lite
Alternative Names & Classifications:
Cyclothymic Disorder (CLINICAL)
Description
Cyclothymic disorder creates a persistent and emotionally exhausting rollercoaster of mood swings that do not meet the full criteria for manic or major depressive episodes. It generally begins in adolescence or early adulthood, driven by subtle genetic and neurochemical vulnerabilities similar to the broader bipolar spectrum. The chronic instability profoundly impacts relationships and career trajectories, leaving the individual feeling perpetually unbalanced.