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What is Cyclothymic Disorder?

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Cyclothymic Disorder causes years of long-term, low-grade emotional swings. Symptoms see saw between highs than aren’t super high and lows that aren’t extremely low. It is essentially a mild form of Bipolar Disorder. The lows are similar to those of major depressive episodes. People experience a sad mood and become less interested in their previously enjoyed activities. They can feel hopeless, guilty, and sluggish. However, they never feel enough of these symptoms at once (or feel them strongly enough) for it to become full-blown Major Depressive Episode.

The situation is similar for the highs of Cyclothymic Disorder, too. People go through periods of an energetic, hyper mood. They are talkative, impulsive, and agitated. They bounce from one activity to the next, often impulsively or recklessly. As with the lows of this disorder, the highs never really reach the intensity or number of symptoms it takes to qualify as a hypomanic or manic episode.

Cyclothymic Disorder usually first appears in adolescence or early adulthood. Although it’s not a guarantee, up to half of people with this disorder go on to develop major depression or bipolar disorders. Even if it doesn’t develop into Bipolar Disorder, it can still be a troublesome issue that requires life-long attention.

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References
  1. Perugi, G., Hantouche, E., & Vannucchi, G. (2017). Diagnosis and Treatment of Cyclothymia: The “Primacy” of Temperament. Curr. Neuropharmacol., 15(3), 372. doi: 10.2174/1570159X14666160616120157
  2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Accessed 7/12/22.
  3. Bipolar and related disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2013. https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org. Accessed 7/12/22.
  4. Cyclothymia. (2022). NHS. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cyclothymia on 7/12/22.
  5. Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy | Home. (2022, July 14). Retrieved from https://www.ipsrt.org on 7/12/22.
  6. Ellen Frank, P. (2005). Two-Year Outcomes for Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy in Individuals With Bipolar I Disorder. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry, 62(9), 996–1004.
  7. Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression – Harvard Health. (2021, February 02). Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression