Health Encyclopedia

Cyclothymic disorder

Definition

Cyclothymic disorder is a mild form of bipolar disorder in which a person has mood swings from mild or moderate depression to euphoria and excitement, but stays connected to reality.

Alternative Names

Cyclothymia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of cyclothymic disorder is unknown. Although the changes in mood are irregular and quick, the mood swings are far less severe than in bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness). Unlike in bipolar disorder, periods of hypomania often do not become actual mania.

Symptoms

Alternating episodes of hypomania and mild depression lasting for at least 2 years
Patients tend to be more irritable or dark, rather than euphoric or happy
Persistent symptoms (less than 2 symptom-free months in a row)

Signs and tests

The person's own description of the behavior usually leads to diagnosis of the disorder.

Treatment

A combination of antimanic drugs, antidepressants, or psychotherapy are used to treat cyclothymic disorder. Medications used to treat this condition are called mood stabilizers.

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 (Valproate), carbamazepine (Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are the most established antiseizure drugs. Other antiseizure drugs used for bipolar disorders include gabapentin (Neurontin), zonisamide (Zonegran), and topiramate (Topamax).

Patients may not respond to medications as strongly as do patients with bipolar disorder.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.

Expectations (prognosis)

Most people do not need long-term therapy.

Cyclothymic disorder may lead to full-blown bipolar disorder in some people, or it may continue as a chronic condition.

Complications

The condition can progress to bipolar disorder.

Calling your health care provider

Call a mental health professional if you or your child has persistent alternating periods of depression and excitement that negatively affect your work or social life.

References

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.

Miklowitz DJ, Otto MV, Frank E, et al. Psychosocial treatments for bipolar depression: a 1-year randomized trial from the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2007;64:419-426.

Review Date:8/24/2008
Reviewed By:Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.