Do you sometimes feel like your emotions are on a roller coaster? One day you're working with great energy and joy, and new ideas are flowing. But the next week you feel like you don't want to do anything, and you feel bored with the world? This constant, frequent ups and downs in your emotions may not be just 'moody' as you think. Today we're talking about a condition called cyclothymia .
Simply put, what is Cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia, or `Cyclothymic Disorder`, is a relatively mild mood disorder in which your mood swings back and forth between short-term periods of mild depression and periods of extreme elation called `hypomania.`
Now you're probably wondering what hypomania is. Simply put, it's a state of mind that is more than normal happiness, with excessive energy, strength, and lots of ideas, and full of excitement.
The important thing is that in cyclothymia, these mood swings, both low and high, never reach the level of severity we all know as bipolar disorder . That is, the low moods do not become major depression, nor do the high moods turn into uncontrollable mania. This is much milder than either of those.
What exactly are the symptoms of this condition?
In cyclothymia, mood swings are often irregular, meaning it's hard to predict when they will change. Sometimes you may feel down for days or weeks at a time. At other times, you may feel upbeat for the same amount of time.
Between these two periods of highs and lows, your mood may remain normal for more than a month. However, for some people, there may be no such normal period, and they may continue to alternate between lows and highs.
The table below will help you understand more clearly the symptoms you may experience in these two situations.
| Symptoms of a depressive episode | Symptoms of a hypomanic episode |
|---|---|
| Sadness, a feeling of hopelessness, a feeling of emptiness. | Feeling of great happiness, energy, and optimism. |
| Quick to anger. | Excessive increase in self-confidence. |
| Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. | Talking more than usual. |
| Sleep changes (sleeping too much or not sleeping enough). | Feeling like thoughts are racing around in your mind. |
| Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy. | Easily distracted. |
| Difficulty concentrating and making decisions. | Decreased need for sleep (e.g., sleeping 3 hours a night is enough). |
| Feeling isolated from society, feeling lonely. | Starting a lot of work at once, increasing energy. |
Sometimes people with these mild symptoms can be very successful in life because of the high energy that comes with their `hypomanic` periods. On the other hand, the constant sadness and anger can disrupt marriage, work, and even friendships.
Why is this happening?
The exact cause of this is not yet known, but many experts believe that cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder. Genetics is considered the main cause .
Simply put, if someone in your family has bipolar disorder, you are more likely to develop cyclothymia. Similarly, if someone with cyclothymia has a family member with bipolar disorder, they are more likely to develop bipolar disorder. There is a connection between the two.
Is there a treatment for this?
Cyclothymia often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Because the symptoms are so mild, many people think, "This is just how I am." So they don't seek medical advice . Some people may prefer their "up" period to their "up" period, thinking it will go away and they may be reluctant to seek treatment.
Typically, a person seeks help when they are unable to bear the depressive phase, rather than the `hypomanic` phase.
Treatment methods
There are no medications specifically approved for cyclothymia. However, your doctor may prescribe medications called `mood stabilizers`, such as `(Lamotrigine)` or `(Lithium)`, to help control the ups and downs of your emotions.
Very important: Antidepressant medications such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft are not usually recommended for this condition. This is because these medications can cause some people's hypomanic state to spiral out of control and into a severe mania.
In addition to medication, talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a very important part of treatment . This involves providing professional support to help you identify your emotional patterns, learn ways to control them, and manage problems in your relationships and work.
The impact that cyclothymia can have on life
This instability of the mind can cause many problems in personal life.
- Relationships: Constantly changing emotions can make it difficult to maintain marriage, romantic relationships, and friendships .
- Work: Problems can arise due to things like not being able to work consistently at work and working to your heart's content.
- Hasty Decisions: When you are in a state of excitement, you may be tempted to act rashly and without thinking about the consequences. This can lead to legal or financial problems.
- Drug abuse: This is the most dangerous risk. Studies have shown that about 50% of people with cyclothymia, or about one in two, are at high risk of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol .
- Risk of developing Bipolar Disorder: Over time, if left untreated, this mild condition has the potential to develop into a more severe form of Bipolar Disorder.
If you or someone you know has these symptoms, please do not ignore them. The best thing to do is to see your family doctor or a psychiatrist as soon as possible. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can control this condition and live a successful life.
Take-Home Message
- Cyclothymia is not just a "mood disorder," it is a medical condition that requires treatment.
- This is when the mood frequently fluctuates between mild depression and hyper-emotional states (hypomania).
- This situation can affect your personal relationships, work, and many aspects of your life.
- If left untreated, there is a risk of developing drug abuse and severe bipolar disorder.
- If you have any doubts about this condition, don't be afraid to see a doctor. This condition can be successfully controlled by seeking the help of a psychiatrist.
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