How frequently must symptoms be present to diagnose cyclothymic disorder?

To diagnose cyclothymic disorder, symptoms must be present for at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents. This chronic duration is essential as cyclothymic disorder is characterized by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for a hypomanic episode or major depressive episode. The extended time frame helps to differentiate cyclothymic disorder from other mood disorders and ensures that the symptoms are persistent rather than short-lived.

The emphasis on a two-year duration underscores the need for a long-standing pattern of mood instability, which is a hallmark of cyclothymia. This distinguishes it from more transient mood disturbances and aligns with the diagnostic criteria set forth in the DSM-5, maintaining the consistency of mood fluctuations over a significant period.