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Cyclothymic disorders
Definition:
A disorder characterized by stages of mild mood changes with stages of mild depression and excitement (hypomania).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of cyclothymic disorder is unknown. It is similar to bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness) but less extreme. The changes in mood are very irregular and abrupt, but the severity of the swings is less.
Symptoms:
  • alternating episodes of excitement (hypomania) and mild depression lasting for at least 2 years
  • persistent symptoms, less than 2 consecutive symptom-free months
Signs and tests:
The person's own description of the behavior usually leads to diagnosis of the disorder.
Treatment:

Cyclothymia is treated like bipolar disorder, though often not as aggressively. A combination of antimanic drugs, antidepressants, or psychotherapy appears to work best to treat this condition.
Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
Expectations (prognosis):
There is likely to be a need for long-term treatment.
Complications:
There is some potential for persistent depression or progression to more severe forms of bipolar disorder.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider or mental health professional if you experience persistent, alternating periods of depression and excitement; particularly if this is affecting your work or social life.
Prevention:
Unknown
Review Date: 6/2/2001
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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