In cyclothymic disorder, the symptom duration criterion is that symptoms do not meet full criteria for a major depressive, manic, or hypomanic episode for at least how long?

In cyclothymic disorder, the symptom duration criterion is that symptoms do not meet full criteria for a major depressive, manic, or hypomanic episode for at least how long?

• A. Two years
• B. Six months
• C. One year
• D. Three months

Answer: (A)

Cyclothymic disorder involves chronic, fluctuating mood symptoms that never meet full criteria for a major depressive, manic, or hypomanic episode for a substantial period. In adults, that duration is at least two years (with symptoms present for most days and not staying symptom-free for more than about two months at a time). In children and adolescents, the threshold is one year. Among the options, two years best matches the standard duration. Six months, one year, or three months are too short to meet the criterion.

Cyclothymic disorder involves chronic, fluctuating mood symptoms that never meet full criteria for a major depressive, manic, or hypomanic episode for a substantial period. In adults, that duration is at least two years (with symptoms present for most days and not staying symptom-free for more than about two months at a time). In children and adolescents, the threshold is one year. Among the options, two years best matches the standard duration. Six months, one year, or three months are too short to meet the criterion.