Cyclothymia (Symptoms)

Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder, characterized by episodes of hypomania (elevated mood and euphoria) and moderate depression.

For at least two years (one year for children and adolescents), the individual displays periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms that do not meet criteria for a major depressive episode.

Hypomanic symptoms are similar to manic symptoms but are much shorter in duration, lasting a minimum of four days.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode), which are similar to those of cyclothymia (or a hypomanic episode), include:

Increased energy, restlessness, and activity
Excessively "high," overly good, euphoric mood
Extreme irritability
Racing thoughts and speech, jumping from one idea to another
Distractibility, can't concentrate well
Need little sleep
Unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities and powers
Poor judgment
Spending sprees
A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual
Increased sexual drive
Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, sleeping medications, and alcohol
Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior
Denial that anything is wrong

A hypomanic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs alongside three or more other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for four days or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present. A manic episode is diagnosed if symptoms continue for one week or longer.

The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder (I & II) involves very serious symptoms of major depression:

Persistent sadness
Fatigue or listlessness
Excessive sleepiness OR Inability to sleep
Loss of appetite and weight loss OR Overeating and weight gain
Loss of self-esteem
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and, or, guilt
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Withdrawal from friends
Withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyed
Persistent thoughts of death

In people with bipolar disorder II, hypomanic and depressive episodes involve similar symptoms that are less intense.

An individual may be diagnosed as cyclothymic if:

During the two-year period (one year for younger patients), symptoms are not absent for more than two consecutive months.
During the first two years of the condition, the patient has not had a major depressive episode or any manic or mixed manic episodes.
The disorder does not exist only in the context of a chronic psychosis.
Symptoms are not directly a result of a medical condition or substance usage.
Symptoms result in severely impaired functioning in social, work, or personal areas.

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