Is cyclothymia like bipolar?

Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar disorder involving many "mood swings," with hypomania and depressive symptoms that occur frequently. People with cyclothymia experience emotional ups and downs but with less severe symptoms than bipolar I or II disorder.

Is cyclothymia worse than bipolar?

Although the highs and lows of cyclothymia are less extreme than those of bipolar disorder, it's critical to seek help managing these symptoms because they can interfere with your ability to function and increase your risk of bipolar I or II disorder.

Does cyclothymia always turn into bipolar?

Living with cyclothymia

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

How quickly does cyclothymia cycle?

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

How long do cyclothymia episodes last?

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.

What is cyclothymic temperament trait?

Background: Cyclothymic temperament (CT) is a more or less 'permanent' instability of mood, thinking and activity (behaviour), which is frequent in bipolar disorders. Testing the impact of age on CT items, as has been done in many mood disorders, could further define its features.

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.

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.

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 do you test for cyclothymia?

How quickly does cyclothymia cycle?

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 can cyclothymia last?

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

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 is the usual age of onset for Cyclothymic disorders?

The DSM-5 notes that the typical onset of Cyclothymic Disorder is in adolescence or early adulthood, though it can appear in children (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).