If diagnosis unclear bipolar i or cyclothymia (2 different psychiatrists), does it matter? treatment is same.

Probably: Your diagnosis to a large extent depends on the information you provide to your psychiatrist in terms of duration, intensity and impairment related to your symptoms. About a third of all patients with cyclothymic disorder develop bipolar ii disorder eventually. Psychosocial and biological therapy are key in both conditions. Your psychiatrist will assist you in this process.

SIMILAR: There are similarities although bipolar i tends to be a bit more intense/severe. Also, lithium mat be beneficial for bipolar i and may not be for cyclothymia. They really should not be mistaken for one another unless the bipolar i has gone untreated and has become rapid cycling.