At various times, Cynthia, a 20-year-old college student, has been considered by her family and/or friends to be moody, high-strung, explosive, or hyperactive. She never fails to take care of her responsibilities, but the fact that she seems to experience mood swings that are outside the norm has been noticed by those around her. Knowing the criteria for mood disorders, you would diagnose Cynthia with .

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cynthia's symptoms of mood swings that are outside the norm and the fact that she has been considered moody, high-strung, explosive, and hyperactive suggest that she may have cyclothymic disorder. This disorder is characterized by fluctuations in mood that are not severe enough to meet the criteria for bipolar disorder or major depression. People with cyclothymic disorder may experience hypomanic episodes (periods of elevated or irritable mood) as well as periods of mild depression, but these symptoms are not as intense as those seen in other mood disorders.

At Various Times, Cynthia, a 20-Year-Old College Student, Has Been