Which term is used to describe an episode characterized by alternating periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms?

The term used to describe an episode characterized by alternating periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms is Cyclothymic Disorder. This condition is characterized by a chronic pattern of mood swings, including numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for a hypomanic episode, as well as periods of depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode. The mood changes in Cyclothymic Disorder are less severe than those in Bipolar I or II Disorders, but they are persistent, lasting for at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents.

In contrast, Bipolar I Disorder involves episodes of full major depression and at least one manic episode, which are more severe events compared to the hypomanic episodes seen in Cyclothymic Disorder. Dysthymic Disorder refers to persistent depressive disorder with chronic depressive symptoms that are less severe than major depressive episodes and lacks the presence of hypomanic episodes. Panic Disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks and is not focused on mood fluctuations, making it unrelated to the described alternatively fluctuating mood states.