who have experienced one or more episodes of hypomania that do not meet full symp-
tomatic criteria (i.e., at least 4 consecutive days of elevated mood and one or two of
the other symptoms of a hypomanic episode, or irritable mood and two or three of the
other symptoms of a hypomanic episode). The episodes of hypomanic symptoms do
not overlap in time with the major depressive episodes, so the disturbance does not
meet criteria for major depressive episode, with mixed features.
3.Hypomanic episode without pr ior major depressive episode:  One or more hypo-
manic episodes in an individual whose presentation has never met full criteria for a ma-
jor depressive episode or a manic episode. If this occurs in an individual with an
established diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), both diagnoses
can be concurrently applied during the periods  when the full criteria for a hypomanic
episode are met.
4.Short-duration cyclothymia (less than 24 months):  Multiple episodes of hypomanic
symptoms that do not meet criteria for a hypomanic episode and multiple episodes of de-
pressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for a major depressive episode that persist
over a period of less than 24 months (less than 12 months for children or adolescents)
in an individual whose presen tation has never met full criteria for a major depressive,
manic, or hypomanic episode and does not meet criteria for any psychotic disorder. Dur-
ing the course of the disorder, the hypomanic or depressive symptoms are present for
more days than not, the individual has not been without symptoms for more than 2 months
at a time, and the symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment.