Related articles: Cyclothymic disorder
Definition
Cyclothymic disorder is a psychiatric condition characterized by the alternation of hypomanic episodes and periods of mild depression, which last only a few days. This disease is part of the group of bipolar disorders and is often considered a precursor of other mood disorders.
In most cases, cyclothymic disorder lasts for many years and begins early in life.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Aggression
- anhedonia
- anguish
- Anorexia
- Asthenia
- Increased appetite
- Decline in sexual desire
- Impulsive behavior
- Suicidal behavior
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- dysphoria
- Mood disorders
- dromomania
- Euphoria
- Insomnia
- Hypomania
- Social isolation
- logorrhea
- Nervousness
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Somatisation
- Drowsiness
Further indications
Cyclothymic disorder presents with hypomanic episodes (less extreme form of mania) and mini-depressants, which last only a few days. The course is fluctuating and less severe than that of bipolar disorder.
During the hypomanic period, the mood rises and the need for sleep decreases. The person has excessive optimism and the feeling that everything is possible. Thoughts come quickly and psychomotor activity increases, becoming disorganized and inconclusive. In some cases, the hypomanic episode is characterized not by a euphoric state, but by dysphoria, characterized by distractibility, irritability and a labile mood.
In cyclothymia, these periods are punctuated by periods of decreased mood, which do not represent a real depressive episode. The person who suffers, in fact, feels a loss of interest or pleasure in their activities, feels sad and tired. Furthermore, the ability to concentrate is lost and feelings of pessimism and guilt may be present.
For some subjects, the cyclothymic trend contributes to business success, achievement and artistic creativity; however, very often it has serious and damaging interpersonal and social consequences, such as, for example, job and school instability, frequent and impulsive changes of residence, repeated sentimental or marital breakdowns and episodic abuse of alcohol and drugs.
The diagnosis is formulated clinically by a psychiatrist on the basis of the history and evaluation of the patient's symptoms and behavior.
Treatment is basically educational, with cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (patients must be taught how to live with sudden and frequent swings in mood), although some people need drug therapy (eg divalproex or lithium ). Antidepressants should be avoided unless the depressive symptoms are severe and prolonged, as there is a risk that they may trigger faster cycles.
