Cyclothymia – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Cyclothymia is a less common mood disorder that involves noticeable shifts between emotional highs and lows. These mood changes are milder than those seen in bipolar I or II disorders.

People with cyclothymia experience periods when they feel unusually upbeat, followed by times when they feel somewhat down. Between these shifts, they may have stretches of normal mood.

Despite being less severe than bipolar disorder, cyclothymia requires proper treatment. The condition can disrupt daily functioning and may increase the risk of developing more serious bipolar disorders if left unmanaged.

Treatment typically combines several approaches:

• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• Medication to help stabilize mood
• Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers

These mood fluctuations can affect relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.

Signs and Mood Changes

High Energy States

People with cyclothymia may experience periods of elevated mood with symptoms like:

• Feeling unusually happy or euphoric
• Being extremely positive about everything
• Having an inflated view of yourself
• Speaking more rapidly or excessively
• Making impulsive decisions without thinking of consequences
• Having thoughts that race through your mind
• Becoming easily annoyed or agitated
• Engaging in lots of physical activity
• Pushing hard to accomplish goals (work, social, or sexual)
• Requiring less sleep than usual
• Getting distracted easily
• Finding it hard to focus on tasks

Low Mood Periods

During low periods, people with cyclothymia might have these symptoms:

• Feeling down, empty, or without hope
• Crying more often
• Being irritable (especially common in young people)
• No longer enjoying favorite activities
• Gaining or losing weight unexpectedly
• Feeling guilty or worthless
• Having trouble sleeping
• Being fidgety or moving slowly
• Feeling tired or lacking energy
• Struggling to concentrate
• Thinking about death

Getting Medical Help

It’s important to see a doctor if you notice any cyclothymia symptoms. This condition typically doesn’t improve without treatment.

If you’re nervous about seeking help, talk to someone you trust who can support you in taking that first step.

If someone you care about shows signs of cyclothymia, have an honest conversation about your concerns. While you can’t force them to get help, you can offer support and assist them in finding a qualified healthcare provider.

Managing Crisis Thoughts

While thoughts of suicide can occur with cyclothymia, they’re more common in other bipolar disorders. If you’re having thoughts about suicide:

• Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately
• Contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (available 24/7) or use their online chat service
• Reach out to someone you trust right away—a doctor, therapist, family member, friend, or religious leader

These services are free and confidential, and reaching out could save your life.

Causes

Scientists don’t know exactly what causes cyclothymia. Research suggests it likely comes from several factors working together:

• Genetic factors – cyclothymia often runs in families.
• Brain differences – changes in brain function and chemistry may play a role.
• Environmental triggers – traumatic events or long-term stress can contribute.

These factors likely interact in complex ways. Someone with a family history might be more vulnerable, especially after experiencing difficult life events.

Risk Factors

Cyclothymia is considered uncommon, though accurate statistics are difficult to establish because many cases go undiagnosed or are confused with other mood conditions like depression.

This condition typically begins during adolescence or early adulthood. It affects males and females at roughly equal rates.

Complications

Without treatment, cyclothymia can lead to serious emotional problems affecting all aspects of daily life.

Many people with this condition face an increased risk of developing more severe forms of bipolar disorder (types I or II) later in life.

Other common complications include:

• Problems with substance use
• Co-occurring anxiety disorders
• Higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent cyclothymia. However, seeking treatment early when mental health symptoms first appear can help prevent the condition from becoming worse.

Long-term treatment plays a key role in prevention. Regular therapy and medication management can stop mild symptoms from developing into more serious problems like:

• Full hypomania episodes
• Mania
• Major depression