What You Should Know About Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a mood disorder that takes you through emotional highs and lows. While it shares many similarities with bipolar mood disorders, cyclothymia is a distinct condition requiring specific cyclothymic treatment and support. Due to the low severity of cyclothymia symptoms, It often goes undiagnosed and untreated. It is not always apparent that one might have this condition. Hence, it is crucial to understand its cyclothymia symptoms and to know when not to brush off your mood swings. 

Also read: Why Do I Get Mood Swings?

What does Cyclothymia mean?

Cyclothymic disorder is a mild but chronic mood disorder with symptoms similar to bipolar mood disorders. Individuals with cyclothymic disorder alternate between symptoms of mild depression and hypomania. 

However, these symptoms are not severe or frequent enough to meet the criteria for a hypomanic or major depressive episode. In fact, most people go about their lives reasonably well during the emotional highs. But, mild depressive symptoms of cyclothymia can affect daily functioning.

If untreated, people with cyclothymia are at an increased risk of developing symptoms of bipolar mood disorders. Hence, it is crucial to speak to a mental health professional as soon as possible. 

Signs And Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder

Generally, an individual may experience mild symptoms of depression for long periods, followed by hypomanic or mild manic episodes that can last for days. However, tracking symptoms can be difficult since they follow an irregular and unpredictable pattern. 

Cyclothymia symptoms can also vary among individuals. While some people may experience normal moods for shorter periods, others may not get any respite from mood fluctuations.

Emotional Lows

Signs of emotional lows may include:

1. Increased irritability

2. Change in sleeping patterns

3. Changes in appetite and weight

4. Changes in weight

5. Low energy levels

6. Trouble in focusing and feeling restless

7. Lower sexual drive

8. Feeling restless

9. Feeling guilty, hopeless, or worthless

10. Lack of interest in daily activities

Emotional Highs

During emotional highs, a person may experience the following cyclothymia symptoms:

1. Exaggerated feelings of happiness and well-being

2. Extremely high self-esteem

3. Excessive talking or rapid speech

4. Racing thoughts

5. Lack of focus

6. Increased optimism

7. Excessive physical activity without feeling tired

8. Decreased need for sleep

9. Increased sex drive

10. Reckless or impulsive behaviour

Although people with cyclothymia experience shifts in their mood, they tend to be in one mood state or the other for years. People may find some respite in short periods of normal (or euthymic) mood in between, but these are few and far between, lasting for up to 8 weeks. 

In some cases, individuals may experience 'mixed periods', where depressive and hypomanic symptoms occur rapidly. 

Also read: Is It Time to See A Therapist?

How to Treat Cyclothymia

Psychotherapy and medication are the two main treatments for cyclothymia. Cyclothymia medication may involve mood stabilizers or antidepressants and require medical supervision. 

With online therapy, therapeutic interventions for cyclothymia are far more accessible. Among various approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy seems to be the most effective in treating mood disorders. Besides CBT, well-being therapy can also help with managing cyclothymic symptoms. 

In most cases, your mental health provider will adapt your Cyclothymia treatment plan as your symptoms progress. 

Also read: What To Expect From a Psychiatric Consultation

How to Diagnose & Treat Cyclothymia

While cyclothymia may develop at any age, it is more common among adolescents and young adults. In addition, it is more common in women than in men. 

To be diagnosed with cyclothymia, an individual should have experienced chronic mood alternations for at least two years. Besides mood fluctuations, other symptoms should also be present and other conditions, such as bipolar mood disorder, need to be ruled out. Remember, only medical or mental health professionals can diagnose you with cyclothymia. 

Cyclothymia can be hard to spot as it can seem similar to regular variations in mood as we go about our day-to-day life. Mild symptoms can cause a few hiccups, but they are not severe enough to seek help for most. However, the chronic and unpredictable nature of this mental health condition can end up disrupting your life in the long run. 

So, if you feel you've been struggling to keep up with your daily activities due to changes in your mood, it is best to speak to our mental health professionals.