I'd never heard of
cyclothymia (sigh-klo-THY-mia) until I read a reference to it online. Turns out
cyclothymia is similar to bipolar disorder but with less extreme high and low
moods (mania or hypomania and depression) that last two months or longer.
Cyclothymic lows do not involve suicidal thoughts, and if you are cyclothymic
and in a stable period, you are likely to feel normal.
Because cyclothymia may
start in childhood and later lead to bipolar disorder, treatment — in the form
of medication and talk therapy — should, ideally, come sooner rather than later
and continue throughout life. If you or your friends and family notice your
mood swings, periodic excessive activities, unrealistic projects, and bleak
bouts of sadness, it may be time to consult a doctor (instead of being offended
by the suggestion or slipping into denial).
Cyclothymia symptoms can
vary from person to person. Some people may successfully accomplish a lot
during a high, while others may have unrealistic expectations. Some may respond
to challenges unusually well during a high period while others fall apart.
Drugs prescribed for
cyclothymia are sometimes the same ones used to treat bipolar disorder. Along
with drugs, psychotherapy can diminish cyclothymic symptoms in both severity
and frequency and may help to prevent alcohol abuse, which can lead to mood
swings similar to those of cyclothymia.
It is crucial to be honest
with your doctor about how much you drink and any recreational drugs you use.
In addition, keep in your wallet a list of the drugs you take so that whenever
a medical professional needs to know, you are ready and won't risk negative
drug interactions. Because some drugs used to
treat cyclothymia can harm a fetus, cyclothymic women who want to become
pregnant should first ask their doctor to adjust their meds.
Bipolar people are,
increasingly, talking and writing about their disorder. But if you tell someone
you are cyclothymic, you may be greeted with a blank stare or a frown, because
it is a less common disorder, receives less press, and may be misdiagnosed more
often than bipolar disorder.
Actor Stephen Fry has been
quoted as saying he is bipolar but also as saying he is cyclothymic.
Distinguishing between the two is not always a slam dunk, but given that he has
attempted suicide, a well educated guess is that he is bipolar.