Bipolar disorder symptoms challenge even the most strong-willed people, and this includes those that happen with cyclothymia. The mood swings that come with this mental illness can frighten and confuse the individual who has it and those close to them.
Because someone can have different types of bipolar disorder, it’s important to receive an official diagnosis from a mental health professional. Our licensed and compassionate staff of therapists know how to identify cyclothymia and provide appropriate treatment for it. At Montare Behavioral Health in Tucson, our residential program fits the needs of people who need time away from their daily lives to address their cyclothymia fully. With our help, the individual learns to manage their symptoms and not experience constant emotional conflict.
What is Cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia is a type of bipolar disorder that causes emotional turmoil in the person who has it. About 1 in 40 Americans aged 18 and over have bipolar disorder. Approximately 0.4% to 1% of adult Americans have cyclothymia. Cyclothymia is considered a mood disorder because of the impact it has on how a person feels and their inability to control their moods.
Cyclothymia is considered not to be as severe as other forms of bipolar disorder like Bipolar I and II. The symptoms occur with less intensity and in fewer occurrences. When the individual is not in the midst of a manic or depressive phase, they tend to have regulated emotions and feel good. However, the overall impact on the life of a person with cyclothymia is still dramatic and requires professional treatment.
Anyone who suspects they may have a type of bipolar disorder should see their doctor or a mental health professional. If left untreated, the individual develops a higher risk of moving from cyclothymia to Bipolar I or II.
Signs & Symptoms of Cyclothymia
Having cyclothymia means experiencing two categories of symptoms. The first is hypomanic, which is the “up” side of the symptoms. The second type of symptoms are depressive in nature.
Hypomanic symptoms include:
- Feelings of extreme joy and happiness
- Feeling invulnerable
- Difficulty concentrating on one subject or task
- Speaking quickly and often misunderstood by another person
- Engaging in risky or unwise behaviors like dangerous driving, shopping sprees, and unsafe sex
- Going for long periods without sleeping
- Increased self-esteem or egotism
- Racing thoughts
- Poor concentration
Common depressive symptoms include:
- Extreme feelings of depression and hopelessness
- Sleeping more than usual
- Isolating from friends and families
- Lack of interest in social activities
- Suicidal feelings
- Crying
- Always feeling tired
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Easily irritated
Cyclothymia Treatment
Bipolar disorder is not curable, but the right treatment program provided by licensed counselors can help greatly improve the symptoms a person experiences. It’s important to get a diagnosis from a skilled clinician to confirm that the person has cyclothymia, as opposed to other types of bipolar disorder. This way the right treatment plan can be put into place to help.
Cognitive Behavioral therapy is often employed to help people with cyclothymia. It teaches people to identify their feelings and thoughts and understand how they directly impact their behaviors. This allows them to make positive adjustments that help diffuse some of their symptoms.
People with cyclothymia often participate in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help gain a sense of control. They learn skills like distress tolerance, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. This allows the individual to accept their current state of mental health while also working to improve it.
Bipolar disorder can confuse and upset family members of the person who has it because they don’t understand the nature of the illness. Family therapy helps each person in the family unit learn about cyclothymia and how best to support their loved one. A family with better communication skills has an easier time of healing.
Prescription drugs help with a variety of mental health disorders, including cyclothymia. A discussion with the prescribing clinician will help target the symptoms the person has and how often they occur. From there, the professional will recommend a type of medication that will help reduce and control many symptoms of cyclothymia.
Resources for Those with Cyclothymia
One of the most difficult parts of having cyclothymia or being the family member or friend of someone has it is the feeling of being alone. In fact, many resources are available to help people feel supported and get ideas for how to help themselves or their loved ones.
Resources for bipolar disorder include:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Information, research, statistics, and resource referrals for people with mental health disorders.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: A roster of in-person and online support groups.
- International Bipolar Foundation: Information, guides, blogs, and webinars about bipolar disorder.
Many people find tremendous support and resources in books about bipolar disorder. A search for online bookstores, local bookshops, and the library will provide multiple choices for helpful reading material.
Contact Montare Tucson About Treating Cyclothymia Today
Do you have cyclothymia and have not found the right answer for a treatment plan? Montare Behavioral Health of Tucson understands how this challenging mental health disorder presents in a person. Our staff uses their years of experience and compassionate touch to help people learn to ease their symptoms of cyclothymia. They attend a variety of therapies chosen to help meet their individual needs and make measurable progress. We also offer access to prescription drugs that minimize symptoms.
Contact us today and see how we can help you or someone you love who has cyclothymia. No one should suffer from this mental health disorder and not receive the valuable treatment available. Let us help you get on the path to better mental health.
Published: 12/13/2024
