Pathological personality traits: clichotic, melancholic and hypomanic. Three ways to express emotion

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Emotion is a vital function that allows us to adapt to situations, communicate with others and express our personality. However, not all people experience the emotion in the same way or with the same intensity. There are different types of affective disorders that are characterized by persistent or recurrent mood alterations, such as cyclothymia, melancholy and hypomania.

Cyclothymia, also called cyclothymic disorder, is a form of bipolar disorder characterized by distinct episodes of hypomanic symptoms (elevated mood and euphoria) and depressive symptoms over a period of at least two years. Mood fluctuations are not sufficient in number, severity, or duration to meet full criteria for a hypomanic or depressive episode, but they are present more than 50 percent of the time and no more than two months go by without symptoms. Cyclothymia is sometimes unofficially called "Bipolar III."

Melancholy is an emotional state characterized by deep sadness, a loss of interest in activities once considered pleasurable, low self-esteem, and a feeling of emptiness. Melancholy can be an occasional symptom or a clinical disorder called major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder, depending on its frequency and intensity.

Hypomania involves periods of elevated mood, euphoria, and excitement, but it does not disconnect the person from reality. A person with cyclothymia experiences symptoms of hypomania but not full-blown manic episodes. Hypomania can feel good to the person experiencing it and can lead to better functioning and productivity.

These three types of affective disorders are different but complementary ways of expressing emotion. They are not signs of weakness or failure, but rather opportunities to know ourselves better and seek professional help when necessary.