Have you ever felt this way? Sometimes you feel incredibly energetic and happy. You feel like you can do anything. But then, there are times when you feel very sad, anxious, and heavy for no reason. You feel like you're bored with life. If your mood is constantly going up and down like this, it may not be just another thing. Today we're talking about one such condition, cyclothymia .
Simply put, what is Cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia is a relatively mild form of mood disorder. Think of bipolar disorder, where the mood swings between extremes of mania and major depression. But cyclothymia is a milder form of it .
What happens is that your mood swings back and forth between short-term, mild depressions and mild manic episodes called hypomania. Importantly, these highs and lows never escalate to the severe levels of major depression or full mania that are seen in bipolar disorder. This means that the symptoms are very mild.
Who is more likely to develop this condition?
It's actually not that common. It affects between 0.4% and 1% of the population. It can affect both men and women equally. Symptoms usually begin in adolescence or young adulthood . But it's often difficult to pinpoint exactly when it started. Because the symptoms are mild, many people think, "This is just how I am."
What are the symptoms of cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia is a mood disorder that involves a pattern of high and low moods. However, for many people, this pattern is irregular, meaning that they cannot predict when or how their mood will change. Sometimes these high (hypomanic) or low (depressive) moods can last for days or even weeks.
Between these two mood swings, you may be in a normal mood for more than a month without any problems. Or you may be constantly alternating between highs and lows, with no normal period.
To make this more clear, let's break these symptoms down into two parts.
| Hypomania - a period of elevated mood | Mild Depression - A period of low mood |
|---|---|
| Feeling of incredible energy and strength. Feeling tired even after sleeping for a few hours at night. | Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless for no reason. |
| Excessive self-confidence, a feeling that you can do anything you want. | Losing interest in things you used to enjoy. |
| Talking more than usual, talking faster. | Feeling tired and lacking energy all the time. |
| Difficulty keeping your mind in one place, jumping from one thought to another quickly. | Feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem. |
| Being tempted to do risky things (e.g., spending too much money, driving recklessly). | Preferring to be alone, away from others. |
| Starting too many goals and working too hard to achieve them. | Difficulty making decisions and memory impairment. |
The important thing is that this is a mental illness and a fine line between normal mood swings and a part of personality. Some people can be very successful in life because of the energy they get during this 'hypomania' phase. However, the persistent sadness and irritability can also cause problems in marriages and work.
Why does this situation occur?
Many experts say that cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder. The exact cause of both conditions is not yet known, but genetics is thought to play a major role .
Simply put, someone in the family of someone with cyclothymia is more likely to have bipolar disorder. And someone in the family of someone with bipolar disorder is more likely to have cyclothymia.
Is there a treatment for this? How can I get help?
Cyclothymia often goes undiagnosed or untreated. This is because many people do not seek mental health help because their symptoms are mild. In fact, some people are reluctant to seek treatment because they believe that treatment will reduce their 'good' periods, i.e., their 'hypomania' periods when they are energized.
Typically, people seek help not because of these 'hypomania' symptoms, but because of depressive symptoms. It is the constant sadness, anxiety, and feeling of instability in life that prompts them to see a doctor.
Treatment methods
There are no medications specifically approved for cyclothymia. However, doctors sometimes prescribe mood stabilizers , such as lamotrigine or lithium. These can help reduce mood swings.
Antidepressants are not usually recommended for this condition. This is because for some people, these medications can worsen or cause new mania symptoms. They are also not thought to be very effective in controlling the mood swings that are the main feature of cyclothymia.
The most important thing is, do not use any of these medications without your doctor's advice . Your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
Is living with cyclothymia a challenge?
Yes, this can be a big challenge at times. This unstable mood can disrupt personal and workplace relationships. It can be difficult to maintain a stable job or romantic relationship. Also, the reckless behavior that occurs during hypomania can even lead to legal problems.
Another serious issue is that people with cyclothymia are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol . Studies show that up to 50% of people with this condition may have a drug or alcohol problem.
Over time, someone with cyclothymia is at increased risk of developing full-blown bipolar disorder . There is also a risk of suicide to some extent. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice promptly, even if symptoms are mild.
Take-Home Message
- Cyclothymia is not a "how you are" or a personality flaw, it is a mental condition that requires medical attention.
- If your mood swings are affecting your personal life, relationships, or work, definitely seek help.
- Don't ignore mild symptoms. Early treatment can prevent the condition from becoming more serious and causing other problems.
- Do not self-medicate or take medication on the advice of others. Always consult a qualified doctor to discuss your condition.
- This condition can be managed very successfully with talk therapy and, if necessary, medication prescribed by a doctor.
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