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 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 with complete absence of irritability or negative mood effects.[1][2]

Hyperthymia
Other names	Hyperthymic temperament, hyperthymic personality-type, chronic hypomania
Graph showing showing hyperthymia in comparasion to other 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[3]
Complications	Increased risk of bipolar disorder, substance abuse[4]
Usual onset	Before 21 years old[5]
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:[6]

• 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 shown that hyperthymic temperament promotes 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.

Hyperthymia manifesting intermittently or in an unusual way may mask hypomania or another psychiatric disorder. Hyperthymia can be most accurately diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist with the help of a patient's family and/or close friends.