A 27-yrs-old woman has been feeling low for the past 2 weeks. She has little energy and has trouble concentrating. She states that 6 weeks ago she had been feeling very good, with lots of energy and no need for sleep. She states this pattern has been occurring for at least the past 3 years, though the episodes have never been so severe that she couldn't work. Most likely diagnosis is?

Cyclothymic disorder *Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by recurrent periods of mild depression alternating with periods of hypomania. *This pattern must be present for at least 2 years (1 year for children and adolescents) before the diagnosis can be made. *During these 2 years, the symptom-free intervals should not be longer than 2 months. Cyclothymic disorder usually stas during adolescence or early adulthood and tends to have a chronic course. *The marked shifts in mood of cyclothymic disorder can be confused with the affective instability of borderline -, personality disorder or may suggest a substance abuse problem.