Cyclothymia, also known as a cyclothymic disorder, is a rare mood disorder. It causes mood swings between short periods of mild depression and hypomania, an elevated mood. Though the symptoms seem similar to that of bipolar disorder, they’re not as extreme as those in manic depression.
Cyclothymia involves periods of significantly up and down movement of the mood from baseline. You may feel happy for a while but then feel like everything is falling apart. These symptoms affect the ability to function and may increase the risk of developing bipolar I or II disorder. Male and females of any age can get cyclothymia, but it’s more common in females.
What causes cyclothymia?
No one is sure of what causes cyclothymia. But there are possibilities of the following links below:
- Genetic, as cyclothymia tends to run in families.
- Changes in the brain’s neurobiology
- Traumatic experiences or prolonged periods of stress
Symptoms of cyclothymia
People suffering from cyclothymia may experience many weeks of low-level depression followed by an episode of mild mania that lasts several days.
Depressive symptoms of cyclothymia may include:
– Irritability
– Aggressiveness
– Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
– Changes in appetite
– Weight loss or gain
– Fatigue or low energy
– Low sexual desire and function
– Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
– Inattentiveness, lack of concentration, or forgetfulness
– Unexplained physical symptoms
Whereas, the Manic symptoms may include:
– Extremely high self-esteem
– Excessive talking or speaking very quickly
– Racing thoughts (muddled and disorganized)
– Lack of focus
– Restlessness and hyperactivity
– Increased anxiety
– Working for days without sleep
– Argumentative behavior
– Hypersexuality
– Reckless or impulsive behavior
Some people experience a “mixed period” in which a combination of manic and depressive symptoms occurs within a very short period of time.
Treatment for cyclothymia
Usually, people with cyclothymia do not seek mental health treatment. They do not take it as a mental health condition and resist the idea of treatment.
Though it requires lifelong treatment even when the person is feeling better. The treatment is guided by a mental health provider skilled in treating the condition.
Depressive symptoms of cyclothymia are usually more frequent, annoying, and cause disability than hypomania. Depression and instability are usually the reasons people with cyclothymia seek help.
According to mental health experts, the main treatments for cyclothymia are medications and psychotherapy.
Medications
The Food and Drug Administration has not approved any specific medication for cyclothymia, but a doctor may prescribe medications used to treat bipolar disorder. These may help control cyclothymia symptoms and prevent periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as psychological counseling or talk therapy, is an important part of the treatment of cyclothymia and can be performed in individuals, families, or in a group. Several types of treatments can help, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a common treatment for cyclothymia, it focuses on identifying unhealthy and negative beliefs as well as behaviors and replacing them with positive ones. CBT helps identify the cause of the symptoms.
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy focuses on the stabilization of daily routines, such as sleeping, waking, and mealtimes. A healthy routine allows for better mood management. People with mood disorders may benefit from establishing a daily routine for sleep, meals, and exercise.
A word from the doctor —
The symptoms of Cyclothymia may seem normal at first but can turn into something more severe, if not treated.
If you or your loved ones are going through this disorder, seek help as early as possible.
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