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Cyclothymia
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Cyclothymia is a relatively minor mood disorder. This disorder is characterized by episodes of mild depression and hypomania (high mood). These episodes never progress to severe depression or mania. Cyclothymia is a bipolar disorder-like disorder. The symptoms of cyclothymia are not as intense as those of bipolar disorder.
[ What causes cyclothymia?
Most scientists believe that cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder. And no one can say for sure what causes it. Genetics play an important role in the development of both of these diseases. People with cyclothymia are likely to have a relative with bipolar disorder, and vice versa.
Who is susceptible to this disease?
Cyclothymia affects approximately 0.4-1% of the U.S. population. The disorder affects men and women equally. Symptoms usually begin in adolescence or early adulthood. The onset of the disorder is often difficult to recognize.
How does cyclothymia manifest itself?
In cyclothymia, mood fluctuates between mild depression and hypomania and back again. For most people, these episodes are unpredictable and irregular. Both hypomania and depression may last for days or weeks. Between episodes of hypomania or depression, the patient may feel normal, and this state may last for months - or the episodes of hypomania and depression alternate so frequently that the patient never experiences periods of normal mood.
Compared to other mood disorders, the symptoms of this disorder are minor. The symptoms of depression in cyclothymia will never reach the criteria for acute depression. The elevated mood will never reach the criteria for mania.
Cyclothymia can blur the line between a mental illness and a personality or mood disorder. Some people with mild symptoms can achieve great success in life because they are in a state of hypomania and can use their talents to their advantage. On the other hand, chronic depression and irritability can ruin marriages and careers.
How is cyclothymia treated?
Cyclothymia often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Most symptoms are so mild that they do not require treatment. In fact, most people do not even think about treating their mood.
Symptoms of depression in cyclothymia are usually more frequent, unpleasant, and affect work performance than symptoms of hypomania. It is the state of depression or instability that prompts patients to seek help.
The most common medications used to treat cyclothymia are lithium or Depakene. Antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft can trigger mania and should be avoided unless taken with mood stabilizers.
In other words, if the symptoms of an excited or depressed mood develop into more serious conditions, then the patient no longer has cyclothymia, but bipolar disorder. Such a worsening of symptoms occurs quite often, and it is at this point that patients first seek medical attention and begin treatment.
Cyclothymia in daily life
Cyclothymia can cause serious damage to the personal life of people with it. Frequent mood swings very often ruin both personal relationships and careers. It is difficult for such people to find their other half, as they are prone to passionate and fleeting romances. Impulsive behavior can bring the patient problems with the law or even harm his life.
Patients with cyclothymia are also prone to alcohol and drug abuse. According to statistics, 50% of patients with cyclothymia also suffer from alcohol or drug addiction.
Over time, these people are at risk of developing bipolar disorder. Some studies suggest that they are more likely to commit suicide. However, treatment with mood stabilizers can reduce this risk.