Cyclothymia - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Cyclothymia is assumed that both biological and environmental factors play a role. Cyclothymia is a chronic bipolar disorder consisting of short periods of mild depression and short periods of hypomania. It results in short periods of mild emotional and behavioral "highs" alternating with short periods of mild to moderate depression. People with cyclothymia also experience intermittent periods of emotional and behavioral stability. This disorder is a milder form of bipolar II disorder consisting of recurrent mood disturbances between hypomania and dysthymic mood. A single episode of hypomania is sufficient to diagnose cyclothymic disorder; however, most individuals also have dysthymic periods. Although people with cyclothymia may develop bipolar disorder, the less severe condition isn't simply the onset or an early alert of the more severe condition. Cyclothymia can completely disrupt the life of an individual and create personal chaos. The estimated prevalence of cyclothymia is between 0.4 percent and 1 percent of the general population in the United States. It usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood. It may persist throughout adult life, cease temporarily or permanently, or develop into more severe mood swings meeting the criteria for bipolar affective disorder or recurrent depressive disorder in rare cases. Cyclothymia appears to have a significant genetic contribution, which has been shown by a range of twin studies involving dizygotic (fraternal) and monozygotic (identical) twins. Psychosocial factors have also been implicated, for example stressful life events or living conditions, and interpersonal difficulties.

Some theories posit that the hypomanic episodes have meaning in the context of a person seeking to achieve goals or to avoid depression. Symptoms of cyclothymia include periods of hypomania (see above). Depressive symptoms are also present as the hypomania fades. These symptoms. However, are not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode, in other words, are not as severe as those found in Bipolar Disorder. The hypomanic and depressive episodes of cyclothymia generally don't prevent people with the disorder from engaging in their normal activities at work or school or in social situations. However, the unpredictable nature of cyclothymia, the sudden shift to a hypomanic or depressive period, and behaviors associated with these moods can significantly disrupt your life. The constant cycling between stable and symptomatic mood states often leads to short-lived or strained relationships, insecure self-identity, job instability, uneven performance in school, a history of ambitious but unfulfilled endeavors, or patterns of risky behaviors in sexual encounters or drug and alcohol use. Treatment for cyclothymia can include a variety of Cognitive and behavioural techniques. Additionally, Mood stabilizers , such as Lithium and anticonvulsants , are often prescribed in low doses to treat cyclothymia.

Causes of Cyclothymia

Common Causes and Risk factors of Cyclothymia

• Genetic contribution.
• Psychosocial factors.
• Stress.
• Alcohol and drugs.
• Depression.

Signs and Symptoms of Cyclothymia

Common Sign and Symptoms of Cyclothymia

• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep
• Nearly constant talking
• Racing thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Physical agitation or physical slowing down

Treatment for Cyclothymia

Common Treatment for Cyclothymia

• Individuals may prefer no treatment or supportive psychotherapy alone.
• Family therapy is often sought to help with the problems in relationships brought on by the disorder.
• Additionally, Mood stabilizers , such as Lithium and anticonvulsants , are often prescribed in low doses to treat cyclothymia.
• Medications may help some people with cyclothymia to regulate their moods and prevent periods of hypomania and depression.
• Anticonvulsants, such as valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex (Depakote) and carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol) also useful for Cyclothymia.
• Antipsychotics, such as risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa) and quetiapine (Seroquel also useful for Cyclothymia.