Cyclothymia in College students

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? Not established diagnostic Cyclothymic Disorder; 4.7% dominant cyclothymic temperament in one German student population, not disorder
Is it more common among college students? Typical age for onset/recognition; temperament studies show measurable cyclothymic traits
Are college students at higher risk? Strong developmental association
How much higher is the risk? German university sample: 4.7% dominant cyclothymic temperament; NOT Cyclothymic Disorder
How often can it be missed? Very High
Does it show up differently among college students? Very Strong Yes
How might it look different? Changes in sleep, social confidence, activity, impulsivity and low mood can first become obvious away from home; distinguish from normal student variability/ADHD/substance use
What commonly occurs alongside it? ADHD; anxiety; depression; substance use
What can it be confused with? ADHD; BPD; Bipolar II; normal variability; substance use
Common screening tool TEMPS-A — cyclothymic temperament subscale → clinical evaluation
Separate screening tool for college students None established
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