What Is Cyclothymic Disorder?
Have you ever heard about this? Let us read. Cyclothymic disorder is otherwise known as cyclothymia or bipolar III disorder. This is a rare mood disorder that causes emotional ups and downs, but they are not as extreme as those shown in patients having bipolar I or bipolar II. In this condition, you might experience periods where the mood fluctuates up and down from the baseline. Between highs and lows, you might remain stable and fine. Though the highs and lows of cyclothymia are less extreme than those of bipolar disorder, it is necessary to seek help managing these symptoms because they can interfere with the ability to function and increase the risk of developing bipolar I or II disorder.
Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder
Can both happiness and sadness occur simultaneously in a person? Yes, it is seen here. The cyclothymic disorder presents with emotional highs and lows. The highs of cyclothymia occur as an elevated mood. The lows present with mild or moderate depressive symptoms. Cyclothymia symptoms present with similar signs and symptoms of bipolar I or II, but they are less severe.
Hypomanic Symptoms
The symptoms of the highs of cyclothymia are,
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Exaggerated feeling of happiness.
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Optimism.
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Inflated self-esteem.
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Racing thoughts.
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Irritable behavior.
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Increased drive to perform.
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Poor concentration.
Depressive Symptoms
The symptoms of cyclothymia are,
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Feeling sad.
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Irritability.
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Loss of interest in doing activities that were enjoyed earlier.
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Weight changes.
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Feelings of guilt.
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Restlessness.
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Fatigue.
Causes and Risk Factors
How about the causes? The exact cause of this disorder is not known. Research shows that it results from the combination of factors such as
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Genetic Factors - Cyclothymia can run in families.
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Brain Chemistry and Neurobiology - Cyclothymia can occur due to changes in the brain's neurobiology.
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Environmental Triggers - Traumatic experiences or prolonged stress can cause this cyclothymic disorder.
Diagnosis of Cyclothymic Disorder
How to diagnose this? The doctor must determine if you have cyclothymia, bipolar I, bipolar I, I or any other condition causing the symptoms. To pinpoint the diagnosis of your symptoms,it is necessary to do several testsand examinations. This includes,
Medical and Psychological Evaluation
Doing physical examinations and laboratory tests helps to identify medical problems that could be causing the symptoms. The doctor will do a psychological evaluation by asking about your thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns. You will fill out a psychological self-assessment questionnaire. Family members may be asked to share information about your symptoms. Your doctor might keep a daily record of your moods, sleep patterns, or other factors to help diagnose your condition and find a suitable treatment option.
DSM-5 Criteria
For diagnosing cyclothymia, the American Psychiatric Association published the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which includes these criteria. They are,
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You have had prolonged periods of elevated mood and depressive symptoms for more than two years.
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Having stable moods lasting less than two months.
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Your symptoms affect school, work, or other important aspects of life.
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Your symptoms should not match the criteria of bipolar disorder, major depression, or any other mental disorder.
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Your symptoms are not caused by substance use or a medical condition.
Challenges in Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis Risks
May I know the challenges faced? It is difficult for health care providers to diagnose cyclothymia as it has many similar symptoms to other mental health conditions, such as
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Major depressive disorder.
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Bipolar II disorder.
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Generalized anxiety disorder.
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Neurodevelopmental disorders
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Personality disorders.
Treatment Options
Cyclothymia can cause long-term effects when left untreated and requires lifelong treatment, even during periods when you feel better. It is usually guided by a mental health provider skilled in treating the condition.
Medications
What medications are taken for this? Currently, there are no medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. However, the doctor usually prescribes medications used to treat bipolar disorder, which help in controlling cyclothymic symptoms.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy plays a vital role in cyclothymia treatment. Several other types of therapy used are,
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - CBT focuses on identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and involves replacing them with healthy positive ones.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) - IPSRT helps to focus on the stabilization of daily rhythms, such as sleeping, waking up and mealtimes. Following a consistent routine everyday helps to have better mood management.
Lifestyle and Self-Care Strategies
Along with medical treatment, you can follow some lifestyle and self-care tips.
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Take medications as advised by the doctor even when you are feeling better.
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Try to pay attention to the warning signs.
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Quit drinking or using recreational drugs.
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Track your moods, daily routines, and significant life events which help you and your mental health provider understand the effect of treatments taken.
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Doing moderate regular physical activity and exercise can help to keep your mood steady.
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Sleeping enough is necessary to manage your mood.
The Role of Support Groups and Therapy Communities
Why join a support group? You might find it helpful when you join the support group so that you can talk to others who have similar experiences and problems.
Living with Cyclothymic Disorder
It is not known how many people withcyclothymia develop bipolar disorder.But some people can see their elevated or depressed moods becoming more severe. So these people can find their cyclothymia continuing and requiring management as a lifelong condition.
Daily Coping Strategies
How to cope with this disorder daily? Learning about cyclothymia and its possible complications can motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. Try to find healthy ways to boost your energy and mood naturally. Try doing relaxation methods or stress-reduction techniques. These serve as the best treatment for mood disorders.
Relationship and Work Challenges
Irritability, emotional reactions, and impulsivity often cause difficulty for people with cyclothymia to build and maintain positive relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and romantic partners. Taking family therapy helps in managing the symptoms that directly impact relationships.
Preventing Progression to Bipolar Disorder
How can we prevent this progression? There is no way to prevent this cyclothymia. Treating the earliest indication of cyclothymia helps prevent it from getting worse.
When to Seek Professional Help?
If you are experiencing shifting moods of hypomania and mild depression, it is necessary to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with cyclothymia, be sure to follow the treatment regularly as advised by the doctor.
Conclusion:
Cyclothymia is a rare mood disorder that causes emotional ups and downs, which are not as extreme as those seen in patients having bipolar I or bipolar II. To pinpoint the diagnosis, the doctor does several tests and examinations. Cyclothymia can cause long-term effects when left untreated and requires lifelong treatment, even during periods when you feel better. It is usually guided by a mental health provider skilled in treating the condition.
Keynote From iCliniq
As there is no cure for this cyclothymia, the doctor will help a person create a treatment plan that involves using a combination of medication and therapy. If one is experiencing persistent mood changes, they can reach out to the doctor or do an online consultation with a psychiatrist for further management.
