Cyclothymia
Introduction
Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, isa mild form of bipolar disorder (manic depression).
A person with cyclothymia will have a history of mood swings that range from mild depression to emotional highs.
Most people's symptoms are mild enough that they do not seek mental health treatment, so cyclothymia often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
However, the mood swings can disrupt your personal and work relationships. If you think you have cyclothymia, it may help tosee your GP or seek advice from a mental health resource.
Cyclothymia can progress into Bipolar disorder and people often don't seek treatment until this late stage.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 4 Jan 2017
Introduction
Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a mild form of bipolar disorder.
How do I know I have cyclothymia ?
If you have cyclothymia, you'll have periods of low mood followed by periods of euphoria and excitement, when you don't need much sleep. The periods of low mood don't last long enough and aren't seve
What are the causes?
The causes of cyclothymia are unknown, but there is probably a genetic link cyclothymia, clinical depression and Bipolar disorder all tend to run in families. In some people, traumatic events or e
How is it treated?
No medicines have been specifically approved for use in treating cyclothymia, butmood-stabilising medication and/or antidepressants have been used in practice and may be helpful, along with psychothe
Outlook
It's not known how many people will go on to develop Bipolar disorder . However, it's been estimated that less than half of people with cyclothymia see their elevated or depressed moods become more se
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