Lizzie experiences swings between elevated and depressed moods that sometimes disrupt her social and occupational functioning. However, Lizzie does NOT meet the diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I disorder or bipolar II disorder. Lizzie is MOST likely to be diagnosed with ______.

Question

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Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder that involves frequent fluctuations between hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for bipolar I or II disorder. This description fits with Lizzie's experiences of elevated and depressed moods that disrupt her functioning but do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for classic bipolar disorders. Mania (A) refers to an elevated and often problematic mood state associated with bipolar I disorder, while dysthymia (B) is a chronic and less severe form of depression. Melancholia (D) is a subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by severe depressive symptoms (e.g. loss of pleasure, psychomotor retardation), but is not directly related to bipolar disorders which involve changes in mood polarity.

Lizzie Experiences Swings Between Elevated and Depressed Moods That Sometimes