Rosh Psychiatry Board Practice Exam

What is the minimum duration of symptoms required to meet the DSM-V criteria for cyclothymic disorder?

1. Four days

2. One week

3. Two weeks

4. Two years

The correct answer is: Two years

The diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder according to the DSM-5 requires the presence of numerous periods with hypomanic symptoms and numerous periods with depressive symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for a hypomanic episode or a major depressive episode. Importantly, these symptoms must persist for at least two years (one year in children and adolescents) to meet the criteria for the disorder. This long duration is pivotal in distinguishing cyclothymic disorder from other mood disorders, as it reflects a chronic fluctuation in mood and is essential for accurate diagnosis. The sustained nature of these symptoms helps to establish a pattern that characterizes the disorder, further guiding treatment and management approaches.