Mood Swings

MOOD SWINGS

CYCLOTHYMIC DISORDER

Topics in Mental Health

By Shlomo Y. Radcliffe

What is Cyclothymic Disorder?

People with Cyclothymic Disorder are chronically either elated or depressed, but never fulfill criteria for a Manic, Mixed, or Major Depressive Episode (see the definitions for these terms in the articles in this section called \"higher than a kite\" \"soaring hight, crashing low\" and \"very very depressed\"). This means that although they do not have manic-depressive disorder (bipolar disorder), they have a milder version of the same kind of condition. They chronically experience mood swings from very \"up\" to very \"down\" although neither the \"up\" nor the \"down\" is as intense as it is in bipolar disorder.The shifting moods must occur for at least two years, although it can be even longer before the problem comes to the attention of a mental health professional. Sometimes parents think that this is just their child\'s personality, instead of recognizing it as an actual mental health issue.

Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder (DSM-IV Criteria)

In order to be diagnosed with Cyclothymic Disorder a person must meet the following symptoms:

•    For two or more years (for children and adolescents only one year is required), the person has had many periods of hypomanic* symptoms and many periods of low mood that do not fulfill criteria for a Major Depressive Episode.
•    The longest amount of time that the person has been free of mood swings during this period is two months.
•    During the first two years of this disorder, the person has not fulfilled criteria for a Manic, Mixed, or Major Depressive Episode.
•    The disorder is not better explained by Schizoaffective Disorder*, and is not superimposed on Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder*, Delusional Disorder, or Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified*.
•    The symptoms are not directly caused by a general medical condition or by the use of substances, including prescription medication.
•    These symptoms cause significant distress or impair work, social, or personal functioning.

Treatment for Cyclothymic Disorder

Psychotherapy and different medications have been found to be helpful in the treatment of Cyclothymic Disorder.