Psychology MCAT Practice Exam

Which disorder is characterized by cycles of dysthymia and hypomania?

1. Major depressive disorder

2. Cyclothymic disorder

3. Bipolar I disorder

4. Autism spectrum disorder

The correct answer is: Cyclothymic disorder

The disorder characterized by cycles of dysthymia and hypomania is cyclothymic disorder. Cyclothymic disorder is a mood disorder that involves chronic fluctuating moods, including periods of depressive symptoms (which may not meet the full criteria for major depressive episodes) and periods of hypomanic symptoms (which are less severe than the full-blown manic episodes seen in other types of bipolar disorders). In cyclothymic disorder, individuals experience these fluctuations over a period of at least two years in adults (or one year in children and adolescents), which differentiates it from other mood disorders. The cycling mood states are less severe than those seen in bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, making this differentiation crucial in clinical diagnosis and treatment. In contrast, major depressive disorder is characterized by at least one major depressive episode without the presence of hypomania, while bipolar I disorder involves more severe manic episodes interspersed with depressive episodes. Autism spectrum disorder does not encompass mood cycling, as it pertains more to developmental differences in communication and behavior rather than mood regulation. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing the symptoms and diagnosing mood-related disorders accurately.