Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a mild state of depression, one of mood swings between sadness or melancholy and euphoria. It cannot be considered true clinical depression, bur rather a less severe form of bipolar disorder. Evidence of cyclothymic disorder may appear early in life, quite often in the adolescent years. A person with cyclothymic disorder is often seen as temperamental or artistic, being somewhat difficult to live or work with, but having relatively few problems in performing their daily activities.

Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, in general, will follow the symptoms and the intervals between changes in mood levels for a period of two years. A person diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder will exhibit ongoing changes, with the normal state of mind lasting no longer than two months. If a patient lapses into a prolonged state of depression or elation, the evidence of persistent mania suggests a bipolar disorder. Various medications and mood elevators may be prescribed and psychotherapy will be needed. Since certain careers are better than others for a temperamental person, these may be suggested as well.

Many people experience cyclothymic disorder at one time or another in their lives. This may be due to a loss of a family member or close friend, a change in relationships, careers, or residence, or no more than a mild case of “cabin fever,” a shut-in feeling one gets during the winter months. Most episodes of euphoria and sadness are temporary and by putting things into perspective, cyclothymic disorder should cause no undue alarm if it occurs.