What Is Cyclothymic Disorder?

Cyclothymic disorder is known as a mild form of bipolar disorder. Studies show at least 1% of the population lives with diagnosed cyclothymic disorder. Social stigmas around mental health can make it hard to seek diagnosis and treatment for cyclothymic disorder and other mood disorders. Unfortunately, mood disorders are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, leading many people with bipolar disorder to self-medicate to manage symptoms. Like other forms of bipolar disorder, cyclothymic is characterized by states of mania or high energy, followed by depression. Without a diagnosis and understanding, the effects of cyclothymic disorder can be overwhelming and scary.

The Signs and Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder

People who live with Cyclothymia will shift between extreme sets of symptoms. This can be unpredictable and unnerving for them and the people around them. Their mood shifts can be very unpredictable and disrupt their lives.

During a manic episode, people may experience:

• A sense of euphoria or happiness
• Feeling extremely optimistic
• Inflated self-esteem
• Talking more than you usual
• Impulsive decision making
• Risky behaviors
• Racing thoughts
• Irritability or agitated
• Agitation
• Exercising more than usual
• Increased motivation
• Needing less sleep
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty concentrating

The depressive symptoms of cyclothymic disorder include:

• Sadness
• Hopelessness
• Crying without reason
• Irritability
• Disinterest in others
• Changes in weight
• Intense guilt and shame
• Feeling worthless
• Difficulty sleeping
• Restlessness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Lethargy
• Suicidal ideation

Oscillating between the two extremes of cyclothymic disorder can be difficult. The treatment program at Northpoint Washington can help you and your loved ones understand, treat, and manage cyclothymic disorder symptoms for long-term recovery and health.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment Can Help with Addiction and Cyclothymic Disorder

Dual diagnosis treatment (or integrative addiction treatment) Dual diagnosis treatment (or integrative addiction treatment) helps people understand, manage, and treat co-occurring disorders. Cyclothymic disorder might be one of the most under diagnosed mental health conditions. Often, undiagnosed cyclothymic disorder leads to addiction. Unfortunately, if someone living with cyclothymic disorder or other mood disorders only receives treatment for addiction, they are likely to reuse during their next manic or depressive episode. By treating mental health alongside addiction, clients begin to understand their own brains, moods, and thought patterns. They also learn that their addiction story might be very similar to others. At Northpoint Washington, our integrative approach brings clients together through group therapy to gain new perspectives and treat both bipolar disorder and addiction.