CYCLOTHYMIA

What is cyclothymia?

It is basically a chronic bipolar disorder which consists of short periods of mild depression which lasts for a few days to a few weeks.

As explained in above definition its a mild disorder, but actually it can completely
disrupt the life of a person and can also create personal chaos.

• Cyclothymia is equally common in men and women.
• It affects 0.4% to 1% of population.
• It generally begins at early twenties or in the teens.

Causes of Cyclothymia

The causative factors are the genetic factors. Many of the affected persons have a family history of major depression, suicide or alcohol/drug dependencies.

Symptoms of Cyclothymia

• The person affected is unable to maitain enthusiasm for new projects due to changes of moods.
• Some personal relationship problems may be there due to influence of moods causing the "PULL and PUSH of emotions".
• Some abrupt changes in one's personality from cheerful, confident and energetic to sad, blue or "MEAN".
• Sleep difficulties are very much prominent, with affected persons and they are unable to get out of bed during depression.
• The affected person try to come out with their own medicines consisting of alcohol or illegal drugs.

Diagnosis of Cyclothymia

• Individual has many periods of depression for at least 2 years.
• Individual doesn't experience periods of normal mood lasting for at least two months.
• Individual doesn't experience any major depression, manic or mixed episode for the first two years of symptoms.
• These symptoms are not due to affect of meditation, illicit drugs or medical condition.
• Individual also experiences significant distress or impairment in normal living.