Hyperthymic temperament explained

Hyperthymic temperament, or hyperthymia, from Ancient Greek ὑπέρ ("over", meaning here excessive) + θυμός ("spirited"), is a proposed personality type characterized by an exceptionally, or in some cases, abnormally positive or irritated mood and disposition. It is generally defined by increased energy, vividness and enthusiasm for life activities, as opposed to dysthymia. Hyperthymia is similar to but more stable than hypomania.[1] [2]

Hyperthymia
Synonyms:Hyperthymic temperament, hyperthymic personality-type, chronic hypomania
Field:Psychiatry, clinical psychology-although its classification as a disorder is still disputed
Symptoms:High self-esteem, high energy, decreased need for sleep, optimism, impulsivity, talkativeness, high libido[3]
Complications:Increased risk of bipolar disorder,substance abuse[4]
Onset:Before 21 years old[5]
Causes:Genetic, environmental, and psychological factors
Risks:Unknown, family history
Diagnosis:Based on symptoms
Treatment:Often not needed, unless potential complications develop

Characteristics of the hyperthymic temperament include:[6]

The clinical, psychiatric understanding of hyperthymia is evolving. Studies have suggested that hyperthymic temperament may be associated with efficient performance of complex tasks under time pressure or extreme conditions.[7] Despite this positive characterization, hyperthymia can be complicated with depressive episodes manifesting as a softer form of bipolar illness, such as cyclothymia.[8] [9] Research also suggests a familial genetic connection of the temperament to bipolar I.[10]

Aside from references in historical and more recent writings on the spectrum of mood disorders, further literature on the temperament is lacking.[11] [12] There is a lack of agreement on its definition, implications or whether it is pathological. It is not known where to place hyperthymia on the affective spectrum.

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: hyperthymia - Wiktionary. en.wiktionary.org. 2015-05-13.
  2. Book: Concise Guide to Mood Disorders. Dubovsky, S.L.. Dubovsky, A.N.. 2008. American Psychiatric Publishing. 9781585627653. 39. 2015-05-13.
  3. Web site: Hyperthymic Temperament. Psychiatric Times Vol 36, Issue 9 . 13 September 2019 . 36 .
  4. Karam . Elie G. . Salamoun . Mariana M. . Yeretzian . Joumana S. . Mneimneh . Zeina N. . Karam . Aimee N. . Fayyad . John . Hantouche . Elie . Akiskal . Kareen . Akiskal . Hagop S. . The role of anxious and hyperthymic temperaments in mental disorders: a national epidemiologic study . World Psychiatry . June 2010 . 9 . 2 . 103–110 . 10.1002/j.2051-5545.2010.tb00287.x . 20671899 . 2911090 .
  5. Web site: Hyperthymic Temperament. Psychiatric Times Vol 36, Issue 9 . 13 September 2019 . 36 .
  6. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/418724{{subscription required}}
  7. Jaracz . Marcin . Paciorek . Przemysław . Buciński . Adam . Borkowska . Alina . Affective temperament and executive functions in emergency medicine professionals . Journal of Affective Disorders . 168 . 192–6 . 2014 . 25063957 . 10.1016/j.jad.2014.07.004 .
  8. Web site: Beyond Antidepressants: Bipolar Spectrum Illness Presenting as Complicated or Refractory Mood Disorders in Primary Care. Manning. J. Sloan. www.medscape.org. 2018-04-30.
  9. Manning. J. Sloan. February 2000. Refractory Depressed and Anxious States in Hyperthymic Women: A Case Series Generated by a Speaking Engagement. 181104. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2. 1. 16–19. 1523-5998. 15014663. 10.4088/pcc.v02n0105.
  10. Chiaroni. P.. Hantouche. E. G.. Gouvernet. J.. Azorin. J. M.. Akiskal. H. S.. November 2004. [Hyperthymic and depressive temperaments study in controls, as a function of their familial loading for mood disorders]. L'Encephale. 30. 6. 509–515. 0013-7006. 15738852. 10.1016/s0013-7006(04)95464-4.
  11. 8275895. 1993. Féline. A. Hyperthymic disorders. L'Encéphale. 19. 2. 103–7.
  12. 11880944. 2002. Fritze. F. The concept of hyperthymia. Fortschritte der Neurologie · Psychiatrie . 70. 3. 117–25. Ehrt. U. Brieger. P. 10.1055/s-2002-20530.

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