Cyclothymia: Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More

Cyclothymia (sometimes referred to as Cyclothymic Disorder) is a mental health condition that involves typically mild to moderate periods of depression and hypomania.

Generally, Cyclothymia is seen as a mild version of Bipolar Disorder, but still has the ability to provide distress. Episodes of depression and hypomania aren’t severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of either Bipolar I or II.

Mood states can last for several weeks, which can be difficult to live with. However, with the right treatment and support, symptoms can be controlled more, which should lead to an improvement in quality of life.

Cyclothymia often runs alongside other mental health conditions.

What are the symptoms of Cyclothymia?

The symptoms of Cyclothymia typically fall into two categories – hypomania and depression. An individual with Cyclothymia will tend to encounter episodes of hypomania and depression, with either capable of lasting from days to months.

Typically, the depressive phase lasts longer. In between episodes, a relatively normal life can be led. Though in cases of Cyclothymia, it is rare for more than 2 months to pass without an episode of either depression or hypomania.

The exact behaviour exhibited during the hypomanic and depressive phases will differ from individual to individual. As mentioned, both hypomanic and depressive episodes are exhibited.

Hypomania

• Happy feeling, euphoria
• Excitable
• Racing thoughts
• Higher confidence than usual
• Not needing much sleep
• Acting impulsively
• Taking risks
• Irritable

Depression

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Lack of energy
• Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
• Feelings of guilt
• Changes in appetite
• Insomnia
• Low self-esteem
• Poor concentration
• Suicidal or Self-Harm Ideation

It can be very difficult to distinguish Cyclothymia from Bipolar II Disorder. Typically, symptoms are milder in Cyclothymia, and don’t cause the same distress that those suffering from Bipolar II Disorder experience.

The above isn’t an exhaustive list of symptoms, as everyone will experience things differently.

These symptoms will typically lead to an individual behaving and acting differently to normal. For instance, someone who is in a depressed state may avoid social activities wherever possible. Alternatively, an individual in a hypomanic state may engage in risky behaviour like drug abuse.

What are the causes of Cyclothymia?

The causes of Cyclothymia are not entirely known. This is the same as other types of Bipolar Disorder.

It is believed that a range of areas may be involved in the condition developing. It is also believed that there are some risk factors.

For instance, research suggests that there is a strong genetic component to all Bipolar-related conditions. Therefore, having a family member with Bipolar Disorder can be a risk factor for Cyclothymia [1].

Moreover, other factors that have been put forward include trauma, a chemical imbalance in the brain, a major life event, or substance abuse.

Diagnosis of Cyclothymia

If an individual is experiencing the symptoms of Cyclothymia, it is important that they visit a doctor. Cyclothymia is a serious illness, which left untreated, could turn into a more severe form of Bipolar Disorder.

At an appointment, a doctor will ask the patient a series of questions about their symptoms. They will ask them about their thoughts, feelings, behaviour, emotions, and anything else relevant.

If the doctor suspects that the patient will normally be referred to a mental health specialist for a diagnosis. A specialist will conduct a full assessment of the individual. This will feature more detailed questions.

For Cyclothymia to be diagnosed, the following criteria will generally be met:

• The individual has experienced periods of elevated mood and symptoms of depression within the last 12 months
• In this time, at least half of the days have involved periods of elevated mood and symptoms of depression
• Time between episodes has not exceeded two months
• The symptoms cause distress and functional impairment for the individual
• The symptoms aren’t attributable to a physical health condition
• The symptoms aren’t attributable to substance abuse
• No other mental health condition better suits the symptoms present

Sometimes, a different form of Bipolar Disorder will be diagnosed, if the symptoms of the patient better fit a different type. Cyclothymia can unfortunately be misdiagnosed easily, due to its similarity with other mental health conditions.

How is Cyclothymia treated?

Treatment is available for Cyclothymia. In many instances, with the right treatment plan, symptoms can be controlled in a healthy way. Treatment normally consists of:

Talking Therapy

Talking therapy is often used with Cyclothymia. It can help an individual to identify any warning signs, along with getting treatment for any underlying symptoms associated with the depressive side of Cyclothymia. Healthy coping mechanisms can also be taught.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that is used to treat a range of mental health conditions. CBT involves an individual talking face-to-face with a therapist, although sometimes CBT can be conducted in a group setting. CBT attempts to improve an individual’s wellbeing and mood. The therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and actions. This can be useful for those with low self-esteem, anxiety, unhelpful personality traits or intrusive thoughts. CBT can help an individual understand their feelings more, and in the long run should lead to an improvement in quality of life.

Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy: Psychoanalytical Psychotherapy is a talking therapy that aims to help uncover and resolve unconscious beliefs that cause psychiatric conditions. Traumatic experiences that may or may not be buried in the unconscious mind can be highlighted and processed. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy involves talking to a trained therapist. The therapist can show the individual how early memories and past traumas have affected their thinking, behaviour and attitude in the modern day. Psychoanalytical psychotherapy is especially useful for any condition that involves past trauma. Renowned neurologist Sigmund Freud developed this therapy, which is typically completed over a long-term basis.

There are a vast range of other types of talking therapies available. Therapy is recommended as there are a range of ways that talking therapy can help. We have more information on our Therapy section.

Medication

While no medicine is approved strictly for Cyclothymia, the same medications that treat Bipolar Disorder can be used. Mood stabilisers are typically prescribed, as they can help prevent episodes of hypomania and depression.

Mood Stabilisers: Mood stabilisers can help level out moods, meaning fewer lows, and fewer euphoric highs are felt. Lithium Carbonate is the best-known mood stabiliser. Others include Lamotrigine and Sodium Valproate, which are anticonvulsant medicines that have mood stabilising properties. These medicines are generally taken on a long-term basis.

Antipsychotics and antidepressants should not be routinely prescribed to individuals with Cyclothymia. Antipsychotics have an increased side effect burden when compared to mood stabilisers, while antidepressants have the potential to worsen hypomanic symptoms.

Summary

While Cyclothymia isn’t as severe as other forms of Bipolar Disorder, it is still a condition that can cause distress. It is very important to receive treatment, as not only will it normally improve the quality of life for the individual, but it can also prevent Bipolar Disorder from appearing.

Accessing treatment is very important. For more information, our website has plenty of information to help you.

See Also

• Bipolar Disorder Section
• What Is The Prognosis for Bipolar Disorder?
• Therapy Homepage
• Medicine Homepage