Do you sometimes feel like your moods are changing rapidly? One moment you're working with great enthusiasm, and the next moment you're not feeling like doing anything. Maybe you're also interested in learning about this condition called 'cyclothymia.' Although this is a somewhat complex topic, let's try to understand it simply.
What is Cyclothymia?
Simply put, cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder. However, it can also cause you to experience frequent mood swings, such as periods of high happiness or hyperactivity (medically called hypomania) and periods of mild depression.
You've probably heard of bipolar disorder. It's a lifelong mental condition. It causes major changes in a person's mood, energy levels, thinking, and behavior. These changes can last for days, weeks, or even months. It can be very disruptive to daily activities.
A person with cyclothymia experiences alternating periods of hypomania and mild depression for at least two years . These mood swings can occur very quickly, at any time. For example, you may experience mood swings from morning to evening in the same day. Sometimes you may experience a brief period of normal mood (we call this euthymia, which means neither too sad nor too happy, just normal). But that period usually lasts less than eight weeks.
Who gets cyclothymic disorder?
Most often, this condition begins in adolescence or early adulthood . That is, it is most commonly seen between the ages of 15-25.
How common is this?
In some countries around the world, for example in the United States, statistics show that between 0.4% and 1% of the population has cyclothymia.
However, because the symptoms of cyclothymia are similar to those of many other mental illnesses, many researchers believe that the condition is underdiagnosed. It is also possible that it is misdiagnosed. There may be people with this condition in Sri Lanka, but it is difficult to find clear statistics about it.
What are the symptoms of cyclothymia?
The main symptom of cyclothymia is mood swings, which means that the mind fluctuates between two states called `hypomania` (high happiness/excitement) and `mild depression`.
In bipolar I and II disorders, mood swings can last for weeks, months, or even years. But in cyclothymia, these changes can happen very quickly, sometimes within a day. Imagine a person who was very energetic and happy in the morning, but by the evening they are depressed and don't feel like doing anything.
What are the symptoms of `Hypomania` in cyclothymia?
Hypomania is a period of abnormally high mood, emotions, energy levels, and activity levels. This elevated energy level, mood, and behavior must be different from your usual state and be noticeable to others. Hypomania is a less severe episode than mania (a more severe high seen in bipolar disorder).
These are the symptoms of `Hypomania`:
- Increased energy and reduced need for sleep: Even after a few hours of sleep at night, you feel like you can function throughout the day. You feel like you're not sleepy, you can still do more work.
- Rapid speech and rapid flow of thoughts: Talking continuously, thinking of other things while talking, and feeling like your mind is racing. The listener may think, "Wow, he's talking so fast."
- Easily distracted: When doing one task, thoughts wander to other things, making it difficult to stay focused.
- Focusing on goals: Being overly interested in things like work, schoolwork, social activities, and so on, and constantly engaging in them. Sometimes starting big projects all at once.
- Engaging in risky or reckless activities: spending large sums of money (e.g., overspending on credit cards), having sex without thinking, or making rash business decisions.
- Higher-than-normal level of self-esteem: Feeling that you are very capable and that there is nothing you can't do. You may think things like, "I'm the best at what I do."
What are the depressive symptoms like in cyclothymia?
Depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness and loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. The depressive symptoms of cyclothymia are milder than those of major (clinical) depression, but they can still have a significant impact on your life.
These are the symptoms of depression:
- Feelings of social isolation, worthlessness, and guilt: You feel like you want to distance yourself from people, feel worthless, and constantly feel like you've made a mistake. Sad thoughts like "Nobody values me."
- Changes in eating patterns: either eating more (comfort eating), or losing appetite, weight may or may not increase.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia: Not being able to sleep at night, or feeling sleepy during the day, and having difficulty getting out of bed.
- Fatigue or a significant loss of energy: Feeling like you have no energy, no interest in doing anything. "I'm tired, I don't feel like doing anything" is often said.
- Decreased ability to concentrate: It's hard to focus on one thing, it feels like you can't do anything with your brain. Even if you try to read a book, your mind won't go.
What are the causes of cyclothymia?
In fact, researchers still don't know exactly what causes cyclothymia. However, they think it may have a genetic link . Cyclothymia, depression, and bipolar disorder all run in families. This means that they can be passed down through generations. If someone in your family has this condition, you may be at risk of developing it too.
For some people, cyclothymia can be triggered or exacerbated by traumatic events or experiences, such as a serious illness or prolonged periods of severe stress (e.g. exam stress, work problems, family disputes). It is also believed that an imbalance in certain chemicals in the brain (`neurotransmitters`) may be involved.
How is cyclothymic disorder diagnosed?
It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of many other mental illnesses. For example:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar II disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Personality disorders
A doctor may use the following to diagnose cyclothymia:
- Physical examination: Check your physical health.
- A complete medical history: This includes asking in detail about your symptoms, how long they have been present, your lifetime experiences, and whether anyone in your family has had similar conditions.
- Medical tests: Do things like blood tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms (such as hyperthyroidism or drug use).
- A mental health evaluation: Your doctor may do this, or they may refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Doctors diagnose cyclothymia if the following conditions are met:
- Your symptoms (i.e., alternating between hypomanic and depressive states) must have been present for at least two years, more than 50% of the time . For children and young people, these symptoms must have been present for one year.
- You can't have been without symptoms for more than two months.
- Your symptoms cannot be caused by drug use or another physical condition.
In addition, these symptoms must cause significant distress or disruption to your daily life (work, school, relationships) . However, the symptoms must not be severe enough to be diagnosed as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder.
How is cyclothymia treated?
Unfortunately, many people with cyclothymia do not seek medical attention because their symptoms are not so severe, or they do not even think they have the condition.
Remember, some people are so used to living with these mood swings that they think, 'I've always been like this.' However, getting help can make your life a lot easier. Don't worry, there are treatments for this.
Psychotherapy and medication are usually used as treatments for cyclothymia.
Psychotherapy is a general term for a range of treatments that involve talking with a licensed mental health counselor to help identify and change a person's unhealthy feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
There are different types of psychotherapy. Studies have shown that a type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in treating cyclothymia. CBT helps you identify your thought patterns and understand how they affect your feelings and behavior.
Psychotherapy can help you reduce your stress by helping you:
- Identify, monitor, and manage symptoms of cyclothymia (e.g., keep a mood diary).
- Coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations.
- Change the way you think, the way you react, and the way you solve problems.
- Improve communication and interaction with others.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any specific medications to treat cyclothymia. However, sometimes doctors may prescribe mood stabilizers to help reduce your mood swings. These medications may include valproate, lamotrigine, and/or lithium. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when using these medications.
Can cyclothymia be prevented?
Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent cyclothymia, as scientists do not know the exact cause.
However, seeking help as soon as symptoms appear can help reduce the disruption to your life and your relationships. That's very important. If you catch it early, you can start treatment and make your life easier.
What is the prognosis of cyclothymia?
The outlook for cyclothymia can vary from person to person.
Due to frequent anger, emotional reactions, and impulsivity, people with cyclothymia may find it difficult to build and maintain good relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and romantic partners.
However, compared to people with bipolar disorder, people with cyclothymia:
- Hospitalizations may decrease.
- The number of days off work may decrease.
- You may be able to carry out your daily tasks more steadily.
For those seeking help for cyclothymia, early diagnosis and treatment can lead to significant long-term improvements. If left untreated, some people are at risk of developing the condition into bipolar I or II disorder.
When should you see a doctor about cyclothymia?
If you feel like you're alternating between hypomania (high mood/elation) and mild depression (mild depression), it's important to see a doctor. Don't just assume, "This is just me," but get professional advice.
If a doctor diagnoses you with cyclothymia, be sure to see your doctor and/or therapist regularly for treatment.
Cyclothymia is usually a lifelong condition. However, ongoing treatments, such as talk therapy and medication, can help you manage your symptoms and live a healthy, purposeful life. It is important to seek medical advice if you have symptoms of cyclothymia. Remember that your doctors and loved ones are there to support you.
What is the message we want to take home from this article?
Simply put, cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder that causes frequent changes in your mood. If you feel like you're going high and then low, don't ignore it.
- Recognize the symptoms: Alternating between high levels of excitement (hypomania) and mild depression (mild depression) is the main symptom. Be concerned if these are affecting your daily life.
- Ask for help: This is not your fault. Talking to a doctor or mental health counselor can be a great relief. There is nothing to be ashamed of or afraid of.
- There are treatments: This condition can be well managed with talking therapy (`psychotherapy`), especially `CBT`, and medication if necessary.
- You are not alone: there are many people struggling with these conditions. With the right support and treatment, you too can live a better life.
Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so take care of it.
` Cyclothymia, Mood swings, Bipolar disorder, Hypomania, Depression, Mental health
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