Background. Three hypotheses have been proposed in regard to the origin of cycloid psychoses: (1)
they are an independent nosological entity; (2) they are atypical cases of affective disorders; and (3)
they are a heterogeneous group of disorders. This study examined the heterogeneity hypothesis by
attempting to delineate distinct affective and non-affective subgroups.Methods. In 60 cases drawn from a classic study of cycloid psychoses by Perris (1974), latent class
analysis was used to delineate subgroups.Results. Two classes were identified in the analysis: one characterized by the convergence of
affective symptoms and family history of affective disorders and the other by the relative paucity
of such features.Conclusions. Cycloid psychoses are composed of at least two subgroups, distinguishable on the
basis of symptoms and family history.