Hyperthymic temperament
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.
| 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 |
Characteristics of the hyperthymic temperament include:
- increased energy and productivity
- short sleep patterns
- vividness, activity extroversion
- self-assurance, self-confidence
- strong will
- extreme talkativeness
- tendency to repeat oneself
- risk-taking/sensation seeking
- breaking social norms
- very strong libido
- love of attention
- low threshold for boredom
- generosity and tendency to overspend
- emotion sensitivity
- cheerfulness and joviality
- unusual warmth
- expansiveness
- tirelessness
- irrepressibility, irresistible, and infectious quality
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. Despite this positive characterization, hyperthymia can be complicated with depressive episodes manifesting as a softer form of bipolar illness, such as cyclothymia. Research also suggests a familial genetic connection of the temperament to bipolar I.
Aside from references in historical and more recent writings on the spectrum of mood disorders, further literature on the temperament is lacking. 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.