Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder is a chronic condition characterized by numerous hypomanic episodes and periods of depressive symptoms.   The intervals between episodes can be from weeks to months when a person returns to their normal state. The hypomanic episodes and depressive symptoms are not due to a medical condition, medication, illegal drug, or psychotic disorder. The hypomanic episodes can intensify into a manic episode or a mixed episode; also the depressive symptoms can intensify into major depressive episodes

There is significant distress or impairment in important functioning as result of the mood disturbance.

Cyclothymic disorder is often associated with an increased risk of having substance abuse disorders, sleep Disorders and bipolar I or II disorder. 

 This disorder is more common in women and men. \

Cylothymic disorder usually has an onset in adolescence or early adult life. It often develops into prolonged periods of cyclical, often unpredictable mood changes; the person may be thought as temperamental, moody, unpredictable, inconsistent, or unreliable. The disorder is usually chronic, and has a risk that the person will eventually develop Bipolar I or II disorder.

Cyclothymic disorder like Bipolar I and II is more common in the first-degree biological relatives of individuals with Bipolar I Disorder.

The most important step in the treatment of this disorder is to prevent alcohol or drug abuse. Medication often is ineffective when the individual is still abusing alcohol or drugs.

The treatment of Cyclothymic disorder is generally the medications that are effective in treating Bipolar I disorder. Mood stabilizers have been shown to be effective. Antidepressant medication has been shown to be effective in the treatment of this disorder.

Cyclothymia disorder is thought to be a relatively mild mood disorder. Compared to more serious mood disorders, the mood symptoms of cyclothymia are less severe than other mood disorders.