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Emotional ups and downs are a symptom of cyclothymic disorders, also known as cyclothymia, but they are not as severe as those in bipolar I or II conditions.
When you have this disorder, you go through times when your mood significantly changes from its baseline. You might experience periods of feeling on top of the world and then a slump in which you feel a little down.
Although the highs and lows are less intense than those of bipolar illness, it's still important to get support for managing these symptoms, as they may impair your ability to function and raise your risk of developing bipolar I or II disorder.
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Cyclothymic disorder: What is it?
Cyclothymic disorder is an uncommon mood disorder that resembles bipolar disorder in some ways but is milder and more persistent. You endure cyclic highs and lows that last for at least two years.
Fewer than half of people with cyclothymia go on to have bipolar disorder. It's typically a chronic condition that lasts the entirety of a person's life. Some have reported that the cyclothymic disorder gradually goes away and resolves itself.
Everyone experiences highs and lows, right? What sets cyclothymia apart from typical mood swings? It can increase risk of other mental health illnesses (estimates range widely from a 15% to 50% increased likelihood of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder).
As these mood swings affect your ability to function in daily life and maintain relationships, it's critical to seek treatment to control the disorder before it fully disrupts your life.
In the general population, this disorder is thought to occur between 0.4-1% of the time. Both men and women are both affected by it equally. Women are more likely than males to seek treatment, though.
Symptoms of cyclothymic disorder
If you have cyclothymic disorder, you will experience low points followed by intense highs (known as hypomania), during which you won't need much sleep and will feel extremely energized.
The following are a few potential signs of hypomania:
- Restlessness
- Ideas that are racing
- Less of a need for sleep
- Higher willingness to take risks
- A higher sense of self-worth
- Heightened joy
- A rise in chattiness
Depressive episodes are not frequent or severe enough to be classified as clinical depression.
The following are examples of cyclothymic depression symptoms:
- Irritability
- Difficulties staying focused
- Alterations in eating patterns
- A lack of drive
- A decline of interest in once-fun activities
- The sense of being unworthy
People with cyclothymic disorder frequently alternate between hypomania and depression. There may also be times in the cycle when the individual feels as though their mood is consistent.
Treatment of cyclothymic disorder
See a medical or mental health professional if you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of this disorder.
To ensure that the depressive and hypomanic symptoms are not brought on by an underlying medical problem or a drug you are taking, your doctor may probably order a number of tests.
Patients frequently receive treatment recommendations for medications and psychotherapy. With the goal of reducing your depressive and hypomanic symptoms and lowering your chances of developing bipolar disorder, treatment is typically a chronic, lifelong procedure.
There are currently no drugs known to effectively treat cyclothymia, but your doctor may prescribe drugs that are frequently used to treat bipolar disorder to lessen your symptoms and their frequency.
Atypical antipsychotics like lithium and quetiapine, as well as anticonvulsants, are often prescribed medication therapies for various mental health conditions. The effectiveness of antidepressants in the management of cyclothymic disorder has not been established, though.
More research is required to conclusively state the advantages of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, in the management of cyclothymia. However, some of the most popular treatments for bipolar disorder are also used to treat cyclothymia. They include:
Treatment using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Focus on identifying trigger points, stress management techniques and transforming negative ideas and attitudes into positive ones.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Teaches emotional control, distress tolerance, and awareness. The aim of DBT is skill building to enhance your sense of control.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
A focus on regulating daily rhythms, particularly those connected to sleep, wakefulness, and mealtimes; routines are suggestive of aiding in regulating emotions.
Cyclothymia can have a negative impact on social, familial, professional, and romantic relationships.
Moreover, impulsivity linked to hypomanic symptoms can result in regrettable decisions, legal troubles and financial problems. Moreover, studies have indicated that people with cyclothymic disorder are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs.
Use your medications as prescribed. Abstain from alcohol and recreational drugs; track your moods to notify your mental health practitioner about the efficacy of treatment. Get adequate sleep, and exercise frequently to lessen the negative impact of the cyclothymic disorder on your everyday life.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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