Which disorder is characterized by mood changes that are less extreme than in bipolar disorder?

Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by mood changes that are less extreme than those found in bipolar disorder. Specifically, it involves periods of hypomanic symptoms (which are similar to, but less severe than, manic episodes) and periods of depressive symptoms (which are less severe than major depressive episodes). The key feature of cyclothymic disorder is the chronicity of these mood fluctuations, as they typically persist for at least two years in adults. This distinguishes it from bipolar disorder, where mood episodes can be more intense and dramatic, and encompass full-blown manic or depressive episodes.

In contrast, dysthymic disorder (now known as persistent depressive disorder) involves a more chronic form of depression, but it does not include the hypomanic episodes characteristic of cyclothymic disorder. Major depressive disorder is marked by the experience of one or more major depressive episodes without the mood elevation of hypomania or mania. Borderline personality disorder includes instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, often with intense episodes of anger or depression, but it is not defined primarily by the cyclical mood changes seen in cyclothymic disorder. Therefore, cyclothymic disorder stands out as the correct answer due to its specific nature of less