Balancing Highs and Lows: Living with Cyclothymic Disorder

Mood swings happen frequently in every life due to excess daily responsibilities. Whenever such mood swings occur repeatedly and at a great intensity in life, they become cyclothymic disorder, which is a mild indication of bipolar disorder. A person who suffers from this condition is said to be cycling between high periods when they feels too energetic and low periods when they feel down or depressed. So, living with cyclothymic disorder means navigating frequent mood swings, from highs to lows. Managing the symptoms requires consistent support and care.

Sometimes, mood swings are so severe that they go to your daily activities; it is very important to get help from a psychiatrist who will explain each stage of the treatment to manage your emotions and attain better mental health. Read this interesting blog till the end and find out whether you are facing this issue or not. Let’s take a deep dive!

What Is Cyclothymic Disorder?

Cyclothymia is considered a relatively mild mood disorder. In this condition, individuals experience fluctuations in their moods: these swings oscillate between brief episodes of mild depression and hypomania (which is characterized by an elevated mood). However, the intensity and duration of these mood fluctuations never attain the severity typically seen in major depressive episodes or full-blown mania.

Although those affected by cyclothymic disorder may experience discomfort, their symptoms are generally milder than those observed in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This distinction is significant because it highlights the varying degrees of mood dysregulation.

Cyclothymic Disorder Symptoms

Cyclothymia highs can manifest as the following signs and symptoms:

• Exaggerated sense of happiness
• Extreme optimism.
• Increased self-esteem.
• Talking more than normal.
• Poor judgment can lead to dangerous actions.
• Racing thoughts.
• Irritable or agitated behavior
• High physical activity levels
• Increased motivation to attain goals
• Reduced sleep needs
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty concentrating

What Causes Cyclothymic Disorder?

The exact cause of cyclothymia is unknown. As with many mental health diseases, research reveals that it can be caused by:

• Genetics: Cyclothymia often runs in families.
• Differences in brain function, including neurobiological abnormalities.
• Environmental factors, including traumatic experiences and extended stress.

Cyclothymic Disorder Example

Cyclothymic disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by fluctuating emotional states—highs and lows—that are less intense than those found in bipolar disorder. For instance, individuals with this condition may encounter a variety of experiences. Living with cyclothymic disorder can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, but with the right strategies and treatment, it’s possible to maintain balance and lead a fulfilling life. However, the symptoms can be quite disruptive, although they may not reach the extreme levels seen in bipolar cases. Because of this, many people often overlook the disorder, assuming it to be merely a phase. Yet, it can significantly affect one’s daily functioning.

• Extremely energetic or joyful for several days.
• Improved productivity and creativity, although sporadic or uneven.
• Excessive talking or pressure to continue talking.
• Exhibiting impulsive actions, such as overspending or abandoning new endeavors.
• Feeling depressed or sad for a few days, but not to the point of serious depression.
• Feeling unmotivated and disinterested in typical tasks but functioning.
• Experience mild irritation or frustration.
• Feeling tired or low energy, but not terribly.

Cyclothymic Disorder in Children

Cyclothymia is another name that is often used for a chronic mood disorder characterized by periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive episodes. The afflicted individual, however, does not shift mood as sharply as is experienced in bipolar disorder. The duration in adults is more than two years, while in children and adolescents. Though living with cyclothymic disorder presents ongoing challenges, building resilience and seeking support can make a significant difference in daily life. Thus, it lasts for one year and most of its time with constant levels of time spent experiencing swings, whereas in adults, it lasts for more than two years.

It is a chronic condition; however, the severity of symptoms varies. Left untreated, it can persist with continued effects on daily functioning and emotional ability. Treatment with appropriate medication and therapy may alleviate symptoms, improving life quality.

Cyclothymic Disorder Vs. Dysthymia

How Is Cyclothymia Diagnosed?

Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and the patient’s mental health history. Here’s the process:

Clinical Interview: A psychiatrist will conduct a thorough interview, asking about the patient’s mood patterns, emotional states, and any history of mood swings. They will also look for cycles of highs (hypomania) and lows (mild depression) that last for at least two years (one year in children or adolescents) but which don’t meet the full criteria for bipolar disorder.

Mood Charting: Sometimes, patients are asked to track their moods over time to provide a clearer picture of their emotional patterns. This can help clinicians see recurring shifts between elevated and depressed moods.

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5): The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria for cyclothymia require the presence of multiple episodes of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are persistent and disruptive but not as severe as full manic or major depressive episodes. These mood fluctuations must not be due to medication, substance abuse, or another medical condition.

How To Treat Cyclothymic Disorder?

Cyclothymia is frequently undiagnosed and never treated. Most symptoms in most individuals are mild and do not require attention by any therapeutic devices. Many individuals avoid treatment, which by definition controls “up” and “down.”

The symptoms of depression in cyclothymic disorder tend to be more frequent, unpleasant, and disabling than the symptoms of hypomania. Depression or feelings of instability usually are what prompt patients with cyclothymia to seek treatment.

Cyclothymia is a condition for which you will need to be treated throughout your life. If you stop taking your medications- even during periods of remission- your symptoms will return.
The main medicines which are administered to cure this condition are:

• Lithium for mood stabilizers.
• The anticonvulsants or anti-seizure drugs are divalproex sodium, or depakote, and lamotrigine, or lamictal; valproic acid is also called depakene.
• Atypical antipsychotics such as Zyprexa, Seroquel, and risperidone can be administered for patients who become resistant to the use of anti-seizure drugs.
• Anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepine.

Cyclothymic Disorder Medication

Although no psychiatric medications are currently considered to be FDA-recommended for cyclothymia, drugs that treat other similar conditions can be helpful.1 The most common drugs used in the treatment of cyclothymic disorder include mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.

Some common medications used to treat cyclothymia include:

1. Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizers are medications used to treat common mood disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Because of the parallels with bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers are frequently used to treat cyclothymia. The most widely administered mood stabilizer is lithium, which is regarded as a first-line pharmaceutical treatment for cyclothymia.

2. Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants, often categorized as mood stabilizers, are used to treat seizure disorders and mood-related disorders, such as bipolar and cyclothymia. Commonly prescribed anticonvulsants for mood stability in cyclothymia include Valproate and Lamotrigine.

3. Antidepressants

Antidepressants, or depression drugs, may be used to treat cyclothymia, although their usefulness is frequently questioned, as some evidence suggests that antidepressants can exacerbate hypomanic symptoms, cause mood swings, or wear off quickly. Bipolar illness and cyclothymia are commonly treated with antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

How Long Does Cyclothymia Last?

Cyclothymia, also known as cyclothymic disorder, is a chronic mood disorder characterized by fluctuating low-level depressive and hypomanic episodes. Unlike bipolar disorder, the mood swings in cyclothymia are less extreme, but the condition can last for a long time.

The duration of cyclothymia varies from person to person, but typically:

• Cyclothymia is considered a lifelong condition. While individuals may experience periods of relative stability, the mood fluctuations tend to persist unless treated.
• For a diagnosis, mood swings must occur over at least two years in adults (or one year in children and adolescents) without long breaks in symptoms.
• Treatment, such as therapy or medication, can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life, but it may require ongoing care.

Final Note

The cure for cyclothymia, through treatment using Lithium or clinical therapy, can vary. There is no set way of preventing cyclothymia but early intervention when the symptom signs start showing that some mental health condition exists can check its progress. Living with cyclothymic disorder can be tough, but with the right help, it’s possible to manage the ups and downs. Repetitive, long-term treatment will also help minor symptoms develop into more serious episodes such as hypomania, mania, or major depression.

Recognizing early warning signs of mood swings, changes in energy levels, or alterations in sleep patterns is very important. In most cases, the earlier a person seeks professional help, the better their chances of managing the condition. Treatment might include medication or some that will be provided to tailor a fit for an individual’s needs. For this, you may book an appointment with MAVA Behavioral Health today!