Cyclothymia: the mild version of Bipolar Disorder

The Cyclothymia (or cyclothymic disorder) is a mood disorder similar to Bipolar disorder, and is characterized by mild phases of depression and hypomania.

Adults are diagnosed with this pathology after symptoms persist for at least two years. In children and adolescents, it is diagnosed if symptoms occur for at least a year.

Throughout this article we will see a summary of the characteristics of cyclothymia: its symptoms, possible causes, and treatment.

What is Cyclothymia?

Cyclothymia is characterized by a persistent mood instability. That is, the person suffering from this disorder shows periods of mild depression and euphoria. In general, it usually appears in adulthood and follows a chronic course. Although it is usual that for several months, the person suffering from cyclothymia shows a normal state of mind.

The cyclothymic is unaware of his mood swings, as they are relatively mild. In addition, euphoric periods They are usually perceived as pleasant and, therefore, it is common that they do not seek psychological help.

30% of people with cyclothymic disorder may end up with type I or type II bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia frequently progresses to type II and less frequently to type I. The prevalence of cyclothymia is between 0.4 and 1% of cases and affects men and women equally.

What is hypomania?

The hypomania it is a mild mania. The hypomanic phase of the cyclothymic is characterized by an elevated mood, euphoria, excitement, and hyperactivity.

During the hypomanic state, the cyclothymic subject has less need for sleep and rest, and is full of energy. Although the symptoms of hypomania are milder than those of mania, they are also very destructive, causing conflicts and ruptures in love relationships and friendships, affect work, cause financial difficulties, etc.

Symptoms

The person with cyclothymia shows ups and downs in her mood. Here are the characteristic symptoms of the depression and hypomanic phases.

Symptoms of hypomania

• Mild euphoria
• Agitation
• Excessive physical activity
• Risk behaviors
• Endless energy
• Verbiage
• Desire and drive for success
• Self-esteem or high grandeur
• Thought acceleration
• Attention deficit
• An exaggerated feeling of happiness or well-being and extreme optimism
• Lack of judgment
• Aggressive behavior u hostile
• Overspending
• Increased sexual activity
• Less need for sleep

Symptoms of mild depression

• Sadness feelings
• Melancholia
• Anxiety
• Feelings of guilt
• Tiredness and lack of motivation
• Lack of appetite or excessive intake
• Loss of interest in activities that were previously considered enjoyable
• Decreased sex drive
• Concentration problems
• Irritability

Causes

The exact causes of a person developing cyclothymia are not known, although it is assumed that there is a multiplicity of factors that participate in its emergence: it is a multi-causal phenomenon, as occurs in most psychological disorders. Thus, there are probably genetic predispositions at play, as well as triggering events related to what happens around the person.

Treatment of cyclothymia

Cyclothymia causes many problems for the person suffering from this disorder. Therefore, seek psychological help as soon as possibleCyclothymia does not usually improve on its own and can progress to a more serious form of bipolar disorder.

1. Psychotherapy in the intervention on cyclothymia

If you meet someone with cyclothymia, it is necessary to speak openly and honestly with them. Despite not being able to force an individual to go to therapy, it is possible to give you support and help you through difficult times.

The psychological therapy It is indicated to stabilize daily habits and seek the maximum possible regularity in the patient's life.

Finally, people who live with the cyclothymic on a daily basis can also benefit from psychotherapy to better deal with the situation, since living with an individual who suffers from this disorder can be complex.

2. Pharmacological treatment of cyclothymia

In addition, drug treatment is also usually common to treat cyclothymia and alleviate its symptoms and signs in the short term. Out of the types of psychotropic drugs Most commonly used in this form of intervention based on a more psychiatric perspective, medications that The most useful have been shown to be mood stabilizers and drugs for falling asleep (in doses low).

In the case of combining the pharmacological intervention in the treatment of cyclothymia with the psychotherapeutic approach, it is good that the latter treats no only how to manage how the disorder is experienced, but also how the patient can adapt to the use and effects of the psychotropic drugs.

Bibliographic references:

• Commentary on Hecker and his work by him: Baethge, C; Salvatore, P; Baldessarini, RJ (September 2003). "Cyclothymia, a circular mood disorder". History of Psychiatry. 14 (55 Pt 3): pp. 377 - 390.
• Danner, Stephanie; Mary A. Fristad; L. Eugene Arnold; Eric A. Youngstrom; Boris Birmaher; Sarah M. Horwitz; Christine Demeter; Robert L. Findling; Robert A. Kowatch (2009). "Early-Onset Bipolar Spectrum Disorders: Diagnostic Issues". Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review. 12 (3): 271 - 293.
• Edvardsen, J., Torgersen, S., Røysamb, E. et al. (2008). Heritability of bipolar spectrum disorders. Unity or heterogeneity? Journal of Affective Disorders, 106 (3): 229-240.
• Perugi, G.; Hantouche, E.; Vannucchi, G. (2017). Diagnosis and Treatment of Cyclothymia: The "Primacy" of Temperament. Current Neuropharmacology. 15 (3): pp. 372 - 379.