Hyperthymic temperament
| Hyperthymia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Hyperthymic temperament, hyperthymic personality-type, chronic hypomania |
| Graph showing hyperthymia in comparison to bipolar spectrum disorders | |
| Specialty | 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 |
| Complications | Increased risk of bipolar disorder, substance abuse |
| Usual onset | Before 21 years old |
| Causes | Genetic, environmental, and psychological factors |
| Risk factors | Unknown, family history |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms |
| Treatment | Often not needed, unless potential complications develop |
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.
Characteristics of the hyperthymic temperament include:
- increased energy and productivity
- short sleep patterns
- self-assurance, self-confidence
- talkativeness
- risk-taking/sensation seeking
- love of attention
- cheerfulness and joviality
- expansiveness
- tirelessness
These features typically onset early in life (adolescence or early adulthood) and are relatively stable over time. In practice, hyperthymic temperament is often assessed with standardized temperament questionnaires such as the TEMPS-A, which measure it as one of the affective temperament dimensions.