This test is based on the following validated scales, recommended by researchers to assess cyclothymia:
- Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego – Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A)1Akiskal, H. S., Mendlowicz, M. V., Jean-Louis, G., Rapaport, M. H., Kelsoe, J. R., Gillin, J. C., & Smith, T. L. (2005). TEMPS-A: validation of a short version of a self-rated instrument designed to measure variations in temperament. Journal of affective disorders, 85(1-2), 45-52.
- Cyclothymic-Hypersensitive Temperament Questionnaire (CHTQ)2Pisano, S., Senese, V. P., Bravaccio, C., Santangelo, P., Milone, A., Masi, G., & Catone, G. (2020). Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament in youths: Refining the structure, the way of assessment and the clinical significance in the youth population. Journal of Affective Disorders, 271, 272-278.
Disclaimer: This quiz is for awareness only and does not diagnose or replace professional advice. If you suspect you may have Cyclothymia or your symptoms affect daily life, consult a qualified mental health professional.
















































































Low likeihood
Recommendation:
Maintain healthy routines and stress management.
Related tests:
Recommendations:
- Track mood patterns
- Improve sleep and emotional regulation
Related tests:
Recommendations:
- Track mood patterns
- Improve sleep and emotional regulation
Related tests:
Recommendations:
- Begin structured mood tracking
- Consider professional input
Related tests:
Recommendations:
- Seek evaluation using the DSM-5
- Early support can help stabilize patterns
Related tests:
What is cyclothymia?
The term ‘cyclothymia’ is derived from the Greek “kyklos”, meaning “cycle” and “thymos”, meaning “mood”. A person with cyclothymia experiences frequent mood cycles or mood swings.3Parker, G., McCraw, S., & Fletcher, K. (2012). Cyclothymia. Depression and Anxiety, 29(6), 487-494.
In cyclothymia, a person oscillates between periods of hypomania– a euphoric and energetic state- and mild depression– feeling low. When such mood swings become severe and more frequent, they interfere with a person’s work life, health, and social life. Intense and frequent mood swings are symptomatic of cyclothymic disorder.
However, according to the DSM-5, these are not as frequent, long, severe, or pervasive to meet the full criteria for a hypomanic or a major depressive episode, as seen in bipolar disorder.4American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
FAQs
The exact cause is unknown, but genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors are likely contributors.
Yes, it can be a precursor to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Bipolar Disorder (BD). A significant number of people with those conditions have what’s called a cyclothymic temperament, which is associated with hopelessness and suicidality in these patients.
Cyclothymia lacks significant identity disturbance and chronic feelings of emptiness, typically experienced by someone with BPD.
References
- 1Akiskal, H. S., Mendlowicz, M. V., Jean-Louis, G., Rapaport, M. H., Kelsoe, J. R., Gillin, J. C., & Smith, T. L. (2005). TEMPS-A: validation of a short version of a self-rated instrument designed to measure variations in temperament. Journal of affective disorders, 85(1-2), 45-52.
- 2Pisano, S., Senese, V. P., Bravaccio, C., Santangelo, P., Milone, A., Masi, G., & Catone, G. (2020). Cyclothymic-hypersensitive temperament in youths: Refining the structure, the way of assessment and the clinical significance in the youth population. Journal of Affective Disorders, 271, 272-278.
- 3Parker, G., McCraw, S., & Fletcher, K. (2012). Cyclothymia. Depression and Anxiety, 29(6), 487-494.
- 4American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
