What is Cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia, also called cyclothymic disorder, is a rare mood disorder. Cyclothymia causes emotional ups and downs, but they're not as extreme as those in bipolar disorder.
Treatment options for cyclothymia include talk therapy (psychotherapy), medications and close, ongoing follow-up with your doctor.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of the highs of cyclothymia may include:
- An exaggerated feeling of happiness or well-being (euphoria)
- Extreme optimism
- Inflated self-esteem
- Talking more than usual
- Poor judgment that can result in risky behavior or unwise choices
- Racing thoughts
- Irritable or agitated behavior
- Excessive physical activity
- Increased drive to perform or achieve goals (sexual, work related or social)
- Decreased need for sleep
- Tendency to be easily distracted
- Inability to concentrate
Depressive symptoms:
- Feeling sad, hopeless or empty
- Tearfulness
- Irritability, especially in children and teenagers
- Loss of interest in activities once considered enjoyable
- Changes in weight
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Sleep problems
- Restlessness
- Fatigue or feeling slowed down
- Problems concentrating
- Thinking of death or suicide
Causes
It's not known specifically what causes cyclothymia.
As with many mental health disorders, research shows that it may result from a combination of:
- Genetics, as cyclothymia tends to run in families
- Differences in the way the brain works, such as changes in the brain's neurobiology
- Environmental issues, such as traumatic experiences or prolonged periods of stress
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cyclothymia/symptoms-causes/syc-20371275
