Cyclothymia

Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by mood fluctuations that shift between depressive and hypomanic phases. Cyclothymics do not experience the extremes of major depression or manic episodes.

The depressive or hypomanic symptoms of cyclothymia may last for a few days to several weeks at a time, with brief intervals of normal mood in between. Personality changes are often evident to family and friends. Individuals who have a stable mood for longer than two months at a time are not likely cyclothymic. Symptoms may be mimicked by substance abuse, borderline personality disorder, or other mood disorder. A family history of depressive or bipolar disorders increases the risk.

Symptoms of Cyclothymia

Hypomanic Phase

Excessive confidence and self-esteem
Reduced ability to concentrate, easily distracted
Sleep difficulties, excessive energy
Heightened irritability
Reduced inhibitions, may make foolish decisions
Hypomania lasts between several days and several weeks

Depressive Phase

Feelings of inadequacy, low self-confidence
Difficulty falling asleep, unrestful sleep
Fatigue, lack of energy
Negative thinking, feelings of guilt and sadness
Loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
Depression lasting between several days and several weeks

The cycling between phases must be present for at least two years for a diagnosis (one year for teenagers). Work and family life are often negatively affected by the shifting moods.

Differences by Gender and Age

Cyclothymia, like the related bipolar disorder, affects men and women in roughly equal numbers. The disorder typically begins in the teenage or young adult years. Onset later in life is rare, and may be brought on by substance abuse or certain medications. Cyclothymia may progress to bipolar, though treatment may prevent this.

Books Covering Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymia Workbook: Manage Your Mood Swings & Lead A Balanced Life "Addresses mood swings from several dimensions, and offers several approaches to moderating them, with advice on how to build on and combine the approaches."
Why Am I Still Depressed? Recognizing and Managing the Ups and Downs of Bipolar II and Soft Bipolar Disorder "Helped me understand my diagnosis and gave me concrete things to do to help manage my condition. Most importantly, however, I got hope out of reading this book."
Break the Bipolar Cycle: A Day-by-Day Guide to Living with Bipolar Disorder "Gave me great hope and comfort. My hope came in realizing that there would one day be a time when this disorder didn't color my every day and I would just live life."