A 39-year-old member asked:
please help docs! is self diagnosis for cyclothymia accurate?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Anthony Vita answered
Specializes in Psychiatry
No: You should never self-diagnose yourself with any medical condition, always rely on a competent physician.
Diagnosis of cyclothymia and bipolar disorder is challenging even for psychiatrists.
Cyclothymia is a chronic mood condition consisting of depressive and hypomanic episodes.
Your primary care physician can rule-out medical causes, and then refer you to a psychiatrist for proper diagnosis.
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Dr. Andrew Berry answered
Clinical Psychology 14 years experience
Be careful: You may be right, but have a psychiatrist evaluate you to be sure. Remember, a surgeon can operate on anyone but himself.
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Similar questions
A 21-year-old member asked:
What is cyclothymia?
3 doctor answers • 17 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joshua Goldner answered
Emergency Medicine 25 years experience
"mild" mood swings: Cyclothymia is a chronic mood disorder w recurrent or cyclic multi-day episodes of mild depression & hypomania. Depression may include loss of interest, poor concentration, anxiety, fatigue. Hypomania may include extra energy, increased focus, hyperactivity, less need for sleep. See your doc if this is you. Note: violent or suicidal thoughts are very serious and warrant immediate medical attention.
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A 43-year-old member asked:
What would classify as cyclothymia?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Ali answered
Psychiatry 32 years experience
Cyclothymia: It is a chronic milder form of bipolar disorder with periods of hypomanic phases alternating with periods of mild to moderate depression. These shifts have been present for at least 2 years & with no more than 2 consecutive symptom free months (for children it is at least 1 year).
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A 31-year-old member asked:
What treatments are available for cyclothymia?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Ali answered
Psychiatry 32 years experience
Cyclothymia Tx: Treatment is with mood stabilizers such as lithium, anti-seizure medications such as lamictal, seroquel (quetiapine) & psychotherapy.
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A 37-year-old member asked:
What is cyclothymia. Please explain?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Lynne Weixel answered
Clinical Psychology 36 years experience
Mild form of bipolar: Cyclothymia is a significantly milder version of bipolar disorder. It have at least a two year history w/ no more than 2 mths in a row w/out either a high or a low. Although both extremes are not as severe, they are not within normal range either and they can take a toll on overall quality of life. Some think it can lead into full bipolar, especially w/out therapy. Talk with a therapist - best!
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A 39-year-old member asked:
How can someone deal with cyclothymia?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Andrew Berry answered
Clinical Psychology 14 years experience
Cyclothymia: Cyclothymia can be thought of as a low grade version of bipolar disorder. That is to say, cyclothymics do experience similar mood swings, but not to the intensity of those experienced by those suffering from bipolar disorder. A psychiatric evaluation is in order with appropriate mood stabilizing meds as needed and a referral to a reputable psychotherapist who specializes in mood disorders.
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Last updated Feb 28, 2015
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