July 28, 2014
Recent findings and perspectives on medical research.
The mystery of bipolar disorder, in a patient whose euphoric moods and vivacious character masked his illness.
Back to TopAlternative Names
Back to TopCauses
The causes of cyclothymic disorder are unknown. Major depression, bipolar disorder, and cyclothymia often occur together in families. This suggests that these mood disorders share similar causes.
Cyclothymia usually begins early in life. It appears to be equally common in men and women.
Back to TopSymptoms
Back to TopExams and Tests
The diagnosis is usually based on your mood history. Your health care providers may order blood and urine tests to rule out medical causes of mood swings.
Back to TopTreatment
Mood stabilizing medication, antidepressants, talk therapy, or some combination of these three therapies may be used to treat cyclothymic disorder.
Some of the more commonly used mood stabilizers are:
- Lithium . Lithium has been used for years in patients with bipolar disorder, and it may also help patients with cyclothymic disorder.
- Antiseizure drugs . Valproic acid (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are the most established mood stabilizing antiseizure drugs.
Some people with cyclothymia may not respond to medications as well as patients with bipolar disorder.
Back to TopSupport Groups
As with other illnesses, you can ease the stress of living with cyclothymia by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.
Back to TopOutlook (Prognosis)
Less than half of people with cyclothymic disorder will eventually develop bipolar disorder. In other people, cyclothymia will continue as a chronic condition or disappear with time.
Back to TopPossible Complications
The condition can progress to bipolar disorder.
Back to TopWhen to Contact a Medical Professional
Call a mental health professional if you or a loved one has persistent alternating periods of depression and excitement that negatively affect work, school, or social life. Seek immediate help if you or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide.
Back to TopReferences
McClellan J, Kowatch R, Findling RL; Work Group on Quality Issues. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry . 2007;46:107-125.
Tress AV, Smetana GW. Medical evaluation of patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy. N Engl J Med . 2009;360:1437-1444.
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