We can describe cyclothymia (or cyclothymic disorder) as a milder form of bipolar disorder involving frequent mood swings of hypomania and mild depressive episodes.
Even though individuals with cyclothymia experience mood swings that are less severe than those in bipolar I and II, the switches between highs and lows can affect their day to day activities and impact their quality of life.
However, cyclothymia is manageable with talk therapy and medication, but many people with cyclothymia do not think they need treatment.
Symptoms of cyclothymia
If you have cyclothymia, you will have periods of feeling low followed by periods of feeling very happy, energized, and excited (called hypomania). Here, you won’t need much sleep and you will be more sociable and impulsive.
The periods of low mood do not last long enough and are not severe enough to be diagnosed as depression.
You might feel a bit under the weather and suddenly lose interest in things during these periods. Mood swings will be frequent where you won’t go for longer than 2 months without experiencing a low mood or an emotional high.
Psychiatrists and mental health professionals may diagnose cyclothymia if you’ve had symptoms for at least 2 years, or 1 year for children and teenagers.
Symptoms of cyclothymia are not severe enough for you to be diagnosed with full bipolar disorder, and your mood swings will be broken up by periods of normal mood.
However, cyclothymia is a chronic condition, meaning that symptoms persist over an extended period, typically lasting for at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents.
Hypomanic symptoms
Signs and symptoms of the highs of cyclothymia may include:
- An exaggerated feeling of happiness or well-being (euphoria)
- Extreme optimism
- Inflated self-esteem
- Talking more than usual
- Poor judgment that can result in risky behavior or unwise choices
- Racing thoughts
- Irritable or agitated behavior
- Excessive physical activity
- Increased drive to perform or achieve goals (sexual, work-related, or social)
- Decreased need for sleep
- Tendency to be easily distracted
- Inability to concentrate
Depressive symptoms
Signs and symptoms of the lows of cyclothymia may include:
- Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
- Tearfulness
- Irritability, especially in children and teenagers
- Loss of interest in activities once considered enjoyable
- Changes in weight
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Sleep problems
- Restlessness
- Fatigue or feeling slowed down
- Problems concentrating
- Thinking of death or suicide
What causes cyclothymia?
According to the NHS, so far, it’s not known specifically what causes cyclothymia. As with many mental health disorders, research shows that it may result from a combination of:
- Genetics, as cyclothymia tends to run in families
- Changes in the brain’s neurobiology
- Environmental issues, such as traumatic experiences or long periods of stress
Cyclothymia treatment
Treatment for cyclothymia typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy, can help individuals learn coping strategies, identify triggers for mood episodes, and develop healthier ways of managing their emotions.
As for medications such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, or antipsychotics, they may also be prescribed to help stabilize mood swings.
Get the correct diagnosis
Individuals with cyclothymia need to work closely with mental health professionals to develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and symptoms. Left untreated, cyclothymia can significantly impair functioning and increase the risk of developing more severe forms of bipolar disorder.
At Kazmo Brain Center, our mental health professionals will guide you through your journey of getting the correct diagnosis and the treatment that you need.
Contact us now to get an evaluation session before going through the treatment plan: https://kazmobrain.com/contact-us/
