Definition

Relating to a mood disorder that causes changes in mood, including periods of feeling very happy and periods of feeling very sad, but these changes are not as extreme as those seen in bipolar disorder.

Example

Her cyclothymic tendencies made it difficult for her to maintain stable relationships.

Conversation

I read an article about people with cyclothymic tendencies.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It describes a mood disorder with ups and downs, but less intense than bipolar disorder.

That sounds tough; managing those moods must be challenging.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cyclothymic → It is formed from "cyclo-" (from Greek "kyklos", meaning circle) and "thymos" (meaning spirit or emotion). The word refers to a mood disorder characterized by cycles of emotional highs and lows, akin to a circular pattern of mood changes.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'circle' ('cyclo-') representing the ups and downs of emotions ('thymos') — that's why cyclothymic describes a mood that cycles between highs and lows.

Visually Confused Words