Which disorder is characterized by hypomania and dysthymia lasting more than 2 years?

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Prepare for the Pennsylvania Psychiatry Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Master the material and boost your confidence!

The disorder characterized by hypomania and dysthymia lasting more than 2 years is Cyclothymic Disorder. This condition features periods of hypomanic symptoms that are present for at least half of the time over a two-year period, coupled with periods of depressive symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for a major depressive episode.

Individuals with Cyclothymic Disorder experience a chronic fluctuation between these mild hypomanic and depressive symptoms, but the mood changes are less severe than those in Bipolar I or Bipolar II disorders. Notably, the duration of symptoms—lasting for at least two years—is a key aspect of Cyclothymic Disorder, distinguishing it from other mood disorders that have different criteria regarding the duration and severity of mood symptoms.

This chronic nature of the symptoms is a central feature, leading to significant distress or impairment, and it highlights the importance of distinguishing Cyclothymic Disorder from other forms of hypomanic or depressive disorders.

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