The hyperthymic temperament appears to be independent of the other temperaments, as evidenced by the low degree or absence of correlations with them. This is consistent with a previous study that found the hyperthymic and dysthymic temperaments to have nearly complete opposite loadings in a factor analysis of affective temperaments (27). Furthermore, a recent study has suggested that there are effectively two temperaments in BD subjects, with the dysthymic, cyclothymic, irritable, and anxious temperaments combining to form a “cyclothymic-sensitive” subtype characterized by rapid fluctuations of mood and emotional stability that presents more often with co-morbid anxiety disorders than the hyperthymic temperament (23). This fits well with our data, which shows a similar pattern of correlations with co-morbid anxiety disorders, as well as rapid cycling and suicidal ideation, for these four temperaments and not the hyperthymic temperament. However, in contrast to the previously reported association of the hyperthymic temperament with a greater number of hospitalizations and more manic episodes, we found little correlation with any clinical features for hyperthymic.
