What is cyclothymia?

"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.

A mood disorder: Cyclothymia disorder occurs for at least 2 years in adults: 1 year in children & adolescents, where a person experiences many periods of chronic fluctuating moods. There are periods of hypomania symptoms (which do not meet the criteria for mania) and depressive symptoms (which do not meet the criteria for major depression). The mood changes are not due to a medical condtion or substance abuse.

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.