Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymia or cyclothymic disorder, is a mood disorder that looks like a milder form of bipolar disorder types I and II. Cyclothymia is characterized by episodes of depressive symptoms and hypomanic symptoms which are not severe enough to warrant a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or hypomania.

Many people with cyclothymia are not even aware they have it, their highs and lows or unpredictable mood swings accepted as part of their personality makeup. Despite symptoms being milder, forming a treatment plan with a mental health specialist will help one mange the symptoms and reduce the chances of developing bipolar disorder.

Prevalence

The rates for cyclothymia range from 0.4 to 8% depending on the study, and it affects males and females equally. The typical age of onset of cyclothymia is from late childhood to early adulthood.

Sources MAYO CLINIC – Cyclothymia | WILEY ONLINE LIBRARY – Affective disorders, personality and personality disorders | ARCHIVE.org – DSM-5 – Diagnostic Features | ARCHIVE.org -DSM-5 – Diagnostic Criteria | Perugi, G; Hantouche, E; Vannucchi, G; Pinto, O (1 September 2015). “Cyclothymia reloaded: A reappraisal of the most misconceived affective disorder”. Journal of Affective Disorders. 183: 119–33. | Koukopoulos, A (January 2003). “Ewald Hecker’s description of cyclothymia as a cyclical mood disorder: its relevance to the modern concept of bipolar II”. Journal of Affective Disorders. 73 (1–2): 199–205. | Perugi, G; Hantouche, E; Vannucchi, G; Pinto, O (1 September 2015). “Cyclothymia reloaded: A reappraisal of the most misconceived affective disorder”. Journal of Affective Disorders. 183: 119–33.