The term “hyperthymia” implies an energetic, confident, active, sometimes irritable but essentially normal personality type who is successfully balancing a multitude of projects and relationships. All of these personality traits (except the irritability) are considered highly desirable in Western culture.
A number of genetic studies including those undertaken by my own group indicate that people who are hyperthymic may come from a family in which manic-depressive relatives have struggled with depression, suicide, gambling, sociopathy, or alcohol or drug abuse. The family tree often has family members with hyperthymic or dysthymic personalities. Usually the manic-depressive pedigree includes one or more relatives who have been highly energetic, creative, and accomplished. If no major mood swings occur in this latter group of people, they are referred to simply as hyperthymic personalities. These individuals do not seek treatment since things are going well. For the most part, these are people who get things done in all walks of life. They either charm you or irritate you, but they usually produce.
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