Cyclothymic Personality (Cycloid Personality): Definition, History, and References
Abstract
Cyclothymic Personality (CP) is a personality disorder characterized by recurrent mood swings, with alternating periods of elation and depression. CP was first described in the 19th century by Emil Kraepelin, and has since become a topic of interest to researchers in the field of psychology. This article provides an overview of CP, including its definition, history, and a review of the literature.
Defining Cyclothymic Personality
Cyclothymic Personality (CP) is a personality disorder characterized by recurrent mood swings, with alternating periods of elation and depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). CP is associated with increased emotional reactivity, impulsivity, and irritability (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017). Individuals with CP may also experience mood instability, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty managing stress (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017). CP is often seen in individuals with bipolar disorder, but can also occur independently (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017).
History of Cyclothymic Personality
The concept of CP was first described in the 19th century by Emil Kraepelin (Bruno & D’Amico, 2016). Kraepelin coined the term cyclothymia to describe individuals who experienced mood swings involving depression and elation (Bruno & D’Amico, 2016). Kraepelin believed that cyclothymia was a precursor to bipolar disorder, and noted that individuals with cyclothymia often experienced periods of normal moods interspersed with episodes of mania and depression (Bruno & D’Amico, 2016).
CP has since become a topic of interest to researchers in the field of psychology. Recent studies have suggested that CP is a distinct personality disorder, and is related to bipolar disorder and other affective disorders (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017; American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Literature Review
Research on CP has focused on the prevalence, etiology, and treatment of the disorder. Studies have suggested that CP is more common in women than men, and that it is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 30 (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017).
Studies have also suggested that CP is associated with genetic and environmental factors (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017). Research has shown that individuals with CP may be more likely to have experienced childhood abuse or neglect, and may be more likely to have family members with affective disorders (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017).
Finally, research has focused on the treatment of CP. Studies have suggested that psychotherapy and medications may be effective in treating CP (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be particularly effective, and may help individuals with CP better manage their mood swings and improve their coping skills (Fiedorowicz et al., 2017).
Conclusion
In conclusion, CP is a personality disorder characterized by recurrent mood swings, with alternating periods of elation and depression. It was first described in the 19th century by Emil Kraepelin, and has since become a topic of interest to researchers in the field of psychology. Research has suggested that CP is associated with genetic and environmental factors, and that psychotherapy and medications may be effective in treating the disorder.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Bruno, S., & D’Amico, G. (2016). Kraepelin’s cyclothymia revisited: A historical overview. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 70, 1-10.
Fiedorowicz, J. G., Balon, R., Suppes, T., Baldessarini, R. J., & Swann, A. C. (2017). Cyclothymic disorder: A review of concept, prevalence, etiology, and treatment. Journal of Affective Disorders, 207, 166-174.