Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder is a mood disorder that has elements of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD), but does not meet the full criteria for a hypomanic or depressive episode. These symptoms may present as cycling moods between sadness, agitation, and euphoria. Periods of elevated moods and depressive symptoms are present for at least two years, and occur on more days than not. Typically, periods of stable mood last less than two months.
Cyclothymic disorder is rare, and only about 1% of the adult population has cyclothymic disorder. Men and women are equally likely to be diagnosed with this disorder.
What it looks like
Cyclothymia symptoms resemble those of bipolar I or II disorder, but the symptoms are not as numerous or severe.
Individuals with cyclothymia can typically function in daily life, but trying to manage unpredictable mood shifts can cause significant disruption and stress.
Signs and symptoms of the ‘highs’ of cyclothymia may include
- An expansive or exaggerated feeling of happiness
- Unusually high self-esteem
- Rapid speech
- Increased risk-taking
- Racing thoughts
- Irritable or agitated behavior
- Increased goal-directed activity
- Decreased need for sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
Signs and symptoms of the ‘lows’ of cyclothymia may include
- Feeling excessively sad, hopeless, or numb
- Loss of interest in activities
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
- Fatigue or feeling weighed down
- Problems concentrating
- Thinking of death or suicide
If you're considering suicide right now
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number, or go to a hospital emergency department
- Call a local crisis center or suicide hotline number
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use the webchat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
Causes of cyclothymic disorder
In the past, doctors have explained many forms of mental illness as a “chemical imbalance.” This may make it seem like the disorder is similar to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, and that fixing the deficiency will provide a simple fix. Unfortunately, cyclothymic disorder and other mood disorders are quite complex.
It’s unclear whether an imbalance causes the symptoms, the symptoms cause the imbalance, or if there are other intervening factors. And what’s more, there is disagreement over whether biological predisposition or environmental factors are more crucial in the development of mental illness.
Currently there is ongoing research investigating whether the disorder may have a genetic cause. Most likely, cyclothymic disorder is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although further research is needed.
Outlook
Living with cyclothymic disorder presents unique obstacles, and finding the best treatment for cyclothymia can take time. The majority of people accurately diagnosed and treated for cyclothymia often gain transformative results. In fact, people who have received medication or therapy for their mood disorder often say that starting treatment was one of their most important positive decisions.
Having a mood disorder is nobody’s fault
Many people with cyclothymic disorder may have blamed themselves for years for not being able to “shake” their feelings. But, a mood disorder is no one’s fault. And, most of the time, it is highly treatable. Blaming oneself for cyclothymia symptoms is like blaming oneself for having brown eyes or blonde hair. A mood disorder is not the individual’s fault.
In good company
Many influential figures suffer from cyclothymia, such as British Television and radio presenter Matt Edmondson, German-born American conductor and composer Otto Klemperer, educator and British colonial administrator in Africa H. V. Meyerowitz, and last but not least, Stephen Fry, an actor and comedian who was featured in the Emmy-Award-winning documentary, “Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive.”