How often does cyclothymia turn into bipolar?

It's unclear exactly what determines who will develop bipolar disorder and who will not, but it's thought that between 15 percent and 50 percent of people with cyclothymic disorder will go on to develop bipolar disorder.

Does cyclothymia always turn into bipolar?

It's not known how many people with cyclothymia will go on to develop bipolar disorder. But some people with cyclothymia see their elevated or depressed moods become more severe. Other people will find their cyclothymia continues and they need to manage this as a lifelong condition.

How often does mood change with cyclothymia?

People with cyclothymic experience episodes of hypomania and mild depression for at least two years. These changes in mood can occur quickly and at any time. A person with cyclothymia may have brief periods of normal mood (euthymia), but these periods last fewer than eight weeks.

How long is cyclothymia cycle?

Cyclothymic disorder is a cycling mood disorder lasting for 2 years or more and is characterized by numerous periods with hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for bipolar disorder or major depression.

Is cyclothymia worse than bipolar?

The highs and lows of cyclothymia are less extreme and less severe than those of bipolar disorder, but they can interfere with your ability to function and increase your risk of developing bipolar I or II disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What is Cyclothymia? – How is it different from bipolar disorder?

Does cyclothymia ever go away?

Cyclothymia requires lifelong treatment — even during periods when you feel better — usually guided by a mental health provider skilled in treating the condition.

What triggers cyclothymia?

Significant life stress, whether in the form of traumatic experiences or chronic moderate stress, is the most common trigger. Additional triggers may include co-existing psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder) and brain injury due to accidents or diseases.

Why is cyclothymia rare?

Cyclothymia is rare, affecting less than 1% of the population. Because it is often diagnosed as another disorder or goes unnoticed, it is possible this number is underestimated.

Who is most likely to cyclothymia?

It is estimated that the rate of occurrence of cyclothymia in the general population is between 0.4% to 1%. It affects men and women at the same rates. Women, however, are more likely to seek treatment. While typical onset of the disorder occurs during adolescence, its onset is consistently hard to identify.

Can you live a normal life with cyclothymia?

Someone with cyclothymic disorder can generally function normally but have some challenges because of the mood shifts.

Is cyclothymia a serious mental illness?

Cyclothymia -- or cyclothymic disorder -- is a relatively mild mood disorder. In cyclothymic disorder, moods swing between short periods of mild depression and hypomania, an elevated mood. The low and high mood swings never reach the severity or duration of major depressive or full mania episodes.

What is it like living with cyclothymia?

People who live with the condition experience emotional swings over time. These swings range from a low depressive mood with little energy, to feelings of exuberance and high energy. Cyclothymia is considered the mildest form of the three levels of bipolar affective disorder1. This group of disorders is common.

When did cyclothymic disorder become a disorder?

K.L. Kahlbaum (1882) further developed the concepts of hyperthymia, cyclothymia and dysthymia--with possible subthreshold symptomatology--in 1882. After Kraepelin's rubric of 'manic-depressive insanity', the term 'dysthymia' was widely forgotten, and 'cyclothymia' became ill defined.

What happens if cyclothymia goes untreated?

Untreated cyclothymia can turn into bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a rare condition that causes mood swings. Doctors consider it a milder form of bipolar disorder, meaning the highs and lows aren't as extreme.

How do you live with someone with cyclothymia?

Remind your loved one to keep working with a doctor to find the right treatment. If you notice changes in mood swings or the person finds that symptoms do not ease up, talk about setting up an appointment. Keep healthy habits in mind. Talk about the importance of getting good sleep, exercising, and eating well.

How does cyclothymia affect the brain?

Patients diagnosed as cyclothymic experienced brief hypomanic periods (lasting fewer than four days) and brief mild depressive periods (lasting fewer than two weeks). Within a day, mood alterations from feeling high to feeling low are common. This mood pattern is persistent for two years or more.

What famous people have cyclothymia?

Charlene Soraia, British singer-songwriter, musician has cyclothymia. Britney Spears, American singer, songwriter, and dancer. Phil Spector, American record producer. Alonzo Spellman, American football player.

Can cyclothymia turn into BPD?

Cyclothymia and borderline personality (BPD): Some research shows that cyclothymia is more common in individuals with borderline personality than in those with other personality disorders. According the the DSM-5, these conditions can co-occur when the diagnostic criteria for both are met.

What is the best therapy for cyclothymia?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Like psychoeducation, CBT can be adapted to help you handle cyclothymia-specific issues. In CBT, the focus is on becoming aware of thought patterns that lead to mood changes. For example, CBT can help you: address thought patterns that contribute to mood changes.

What comorbidity is associated with cyclothymic disorder?

Comorbidity. The DSM-5 indicates that Cyclothymic Disorder is comorbid with substance abuse disorders (see Differential Diagnosis) as individuals with mood disorders may use drugs or alcohol in an effort to self medicate and quell symptoms.

Does cyclothymia affect sleep?

A large-scale web-based survey indicated that “cyclothymic temperament” has been associated with prolonged sleep latency, later sleep schedule, frequent nighttime awakenings, poor sleep quality, and high rates of daily and occasional use of sleep medications (Ottoni, Lorenzi, & Lara, 2011).

How long can cyclothymic disorder last?

Cyclothymic disorder usually begins early in life and is manageable with treatment. Less than half of people with the condition will go on to develop bipolar disorder. Some people will experience cyclothymic disorder as a chronic condition which lasts a lifetime, while others will find it goes away over time.

Can cyclothymia have psychotic features?

If mood swings are considered to be a part of a larger schizophrenic disorder, then Cyclothymia becomes an associated feature of a psychotic disorder.