Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is a psychological condition characterized by mood changes in which there are times of depression or euphoric crises, and may be characterized as a mild form of bipolar disorder.
Cyclothymia usually occurs in adolescence or early adulthood and is often untreated because often these mood changes are considered part of a person's personality. However, cyclothymic disorder should be treated primarily through psychotherapy and, depending on the severity of the symptoms, mood stabilizing medications, for example.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of cyclothymic disorder depend on the mood phase the person is in, the main ones being:
- Agitation and euphoria or moodiness and sadness;
- Accelerated thinking;
- Indisposition;
- Lack of sleep or excessive sleep;
- Greater or lesser energy;
- Denial that something is wrong;
- Decreased appetite.
Usually constant mood variation can cause problems at work and even influence a person's social life. Therefore, when symptoms are noticed, it is important to seek help from a psychotherapist or psychiatrist so that diagnosis can be made and treatment initiated.
How is the treatment done?
Treatment for cyclothymic disorder should be indicated by a psychiatrist and may include:
- Antipsychotic medicines such as Zuclopenthixol or Aripiprazole;
- Anxiolytic medications such as Alprazolam or Clobazam;
- Remedy mood stabilizers, such as Lithium Carbonate;
- Psychotherapy, which prevents the occurrence of new crises and helps the patient to know how and when to take the drugs.
In addition, it is also recommended that the patient has a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and good sleep habits to reduce stress levels and better control cyclothymic disorder.
