American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that are less severe than those seen in full-blown mood disorders like bipolar disorder. The nature of the symptoms in cyclothymic disorder does not reach the threshold for a full depressive episode or a manic episode, making it indeed less severe than bipolar disorder.

These less intense mood fluctuations can still cause functional impairment and distress, but they do not manifest as the marked impairment typically associated with the manic or major depressive episodes seen in bipolar disorder. This is a key distinguishing feature, which is central to understanding its classification within mood disorders.

While it is also important to note that cyclothymic disorder can be chronic and may last for years, it specifically does not include the severe psychotic symptoms associated with some forms of bipolar disorder, and the gender distribution is fairly even, though there can be slight variations in prevalence. However, the core concept that cyclothymic disorder is less severe than bipolar disorder stands as the most crucial distinguishing fact about the condition.