Many people experience emotional ups and downs from time to time, but when mood changes become frequent, ongoing, and difficult to predict, they may point to something more than everyday stress. If you've noticed recurring periods of feeling unusually energized, restless, or optimistic followed by stretches of low mood, fatigue, or emotional heaviness, you may be wondering what's causing the shifts.
Cyclothymia is a mental health condition that can sometimes go unnoticed because symptoms are often milder than those associated with other types of bipolar disorder. Even so, the emotional highs and lows can still affect your relationships, routines, focus, and overall quality of life over time.
Understanding how cyclothymia works, what symptoms look like, and what treatment options are available can help you feel more informed and supported if these experiences sound familiar.
What is Cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia, also known as cyclothymic disorder or bipolar 3 disorder, is considered the mildest form of bipolar disorder (BD). It's a chronic mental health condition marked by recurring periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don't meet the full diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder.
Unlike bipolar I disorder, cyclothymia doesn't typically involve severe mania, psychosis, or episodes of deep depression that make daily functioning impossible. Many people living with cyclothymia are still able to manage responsibilities at work, school, or home, though the emotional ups and downs can still feel exhausting and unpredictable.
Cyclothymia is marked by cycling symptoms of depression and hypomania. However, unlike bipolar I and occasionally bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder on its own doesn't usually cause symptoms to the point of incapacitation, extreme mania, or deep depression.
Cyclothymia often begins during the teenage years or early adulthood, and symptoms may come and go over time. Because the mood changes can appear less severe, many people don't realize they're experiencing a mental health condition until symptoms start affecting daily life more consistently.
What are the Key Symptoms of Cyclothymia?
According to StatPearls Publishing, cyclothymia is a “primary mood disorder that is connotated with great ambiguity and controversy” and is characterized by numerous periods "consisting of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for bipolar or major depressive disorder.” In short, it’s a less-severe version of bipolar disorder.
That said, cyclothymic disorder symptoms do overlap with some bipolar symptoms of both bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorder. For example, it’s common to see bouncing between periods of depression and hypomania in all three conditions. However, as noted, cyclothymic disorder’s symptoms aren’t experienced all at once as they can be in bipolar 1 and 2. Most people who live with cyclothymic disorder are typically able to function without significant life disruptions.
Depressive symptoms
Examples of depressive cyclothymic disorder symptoms include:
- Feeling unfounded shame, worthlessness, or guilt
- Having a reduced or limited capacity to experience pleasure
- Experiencing changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Finding it difficult to concentrate
- Having near-daily fatigue
Depressive symptoms of cyclothymia can also include excessive crying, social isolation, and irritability.
Hypomanic symptoms
Examples of symptoms that may result from hypomania in cyclothymic disorder might include:
- Irritability
- Distractibility
- Acting impulsively
- Talking excessively
- Feeling extremely euphoric
- Having high energy levels and a lifted self-confidence
- Pacing, fidgeting, or exhibiting other nervous behavior
Cyclothymia symptoms can also include having difficulty focusing, believing you need less sleep than you normally would, and having grandiose thinking patterns. As per research in StatPearls Publishing, hypomania symptoms of cyclothymic disorder typically do not include hallucinations, delusions, or other psychotic features, as might be the case with bipolar I.
What Causes Cyclothymia?
What is cyclothymic disorder caused by? Like other versions of bipolar disorder, cyclothymia has no known cause. What we do know is that it typically begins during teenage years or in early adulthood, and it's seen in females and males about equally.
Cyclothymia is often misdiagnosed as another mental health condition, like one of the types of depression, bipolar disorder, or social anxiety disorder. Certain factors are thought to increase the risk of developing cyclothymia, including family history of mental illness, anomalies in brain chemistry, or various possible environmental stressors.
How Can Cyclothymia Be Diagnosed?
Just like how bipolar disorder is diagnosed, cyclothymia must be diagnosed by a doctor or mental health provider. If you or someone you know is concerned, reach out as soon as possible.
A diagnosis can be made after a series of tests are conducted to rule out any other underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to depression or hypomania. It's also important to make sure that current medications aren't causing mood swings and symptoms.
With the results of the tests, a psychological evaluation, and based on your mood history and a comprehensive understanding of all symptoms, a diagnosis will be made and a treatment plan put into place.
"It's also important to rule out any type of substance abuse or recreational substance use in order to get an accurate diagnosis. This helps providers know the best treatment options to help the patient."
Talkspace Therapist, Dr. Karmen Smith, LCSW, DD
Treatment Options for Cyclothymia
It takes time and patience for doctors and therapists to discern the best combination of treatments after a cyclothymic disorder diagnosis. Most often, treatment involves a combination of prescription medications and talk therapy for bipolar disorder to help stabilize moods, teach new coping mechanisms to reduce symptom frequency and severity, and optimize happiness and the ability to navigate mood symptoms.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved any specific medications for treating cyclothymia. However, some medications have been approved for treating bipolar depression, including some antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.
Therapy for cyclothymia
Several types of online therapy can be helpful when treating cyclothymia, including:
- Family-focused therapy (FFT)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)
Each of these therapeutic approaches can help people with cyclothymia slow down and pay attention to breathing, thoughts, and behavior to ultimately remain in better control of their actions.
"Most people with cyclothymia do not seek treatment because they don't feel they have a problem. They may blame others for their strained relationship or job. When they do seek help, it may be in couples counseling or job-related intervention. This can help them get the support that they need as well."
Talkspace Therapist, Dr. Karmen Smith, LCSW, DD
Lifestyle choices
If you have cyclothymic disorder and you're not with your doctor, therapist, or someone else who understands the condition, utilizing coping strategies can help control cyclothymic disorder symptoms. The choices you make in day-to-day life matter, especially if you're living with a mental health condition.
Making some traditional healthy habits part of your daily routine can be hugely beneficial for minimizing symptoms of cyclothymia. These are bipolar disorder natural treatment techniques that you can do, beginning right now, that cost virtually nothing, other than your time and dedication.
Consider any of the following holistic practices to calm your mind and realign your energy. Coupled with therapy and perhaps medication, they can be game changers.
- Learn to meditate: Meditation is an age-old practice that teaches you how to identify how your thoughts and feelings develop in real time. This powerful technique is useful for managing symptoms and moods and can help you relax and reset.
- Eat healthy: Eating more plants and single-ingredient foods (that aren't processed) is always a good idea. You don't have to be unrealistic about your meal plan, though. Splurging in moderation is fine, as long as it's indeed in moderation and not your norm.
- Work out: Most people know that getting moderate physical exercise daily, to the point of a light sweat, is recommended for heart health, but it does wonders for the mind, too.
- Get outdoors: Getting out in nature can be very restorative, whether you have cyclothymia or not. Weather permitting, taking a day hike and enjoying the sun and clean air can do your mind and spirit a world of good. Watch some birds or other wildlife and appreciate the calmness and tranquility of your natural surroundings. Use this time to implement your meditation practice and focus on alternatives to some of the unhealthy behaviors you've been subjecting yourself to in the past.
- Get creative: Expressing your creativity is another beneficial way to battle cyclothymia symptoms. Consider creative outlets like journaling, drawing, painting, singing, dancing, taking pictures, or simply sitting back and enjoying a classic movie. In general, whatever you can do to occupy your mind positively, instead of allowing it to home in on negativity, will be beneficial to controlling your symptoms.
Find Support and Manage Cyclothymia Confidently with Talkspace
Living with cyclothymia means navigating ongoing mood shifts that can affect your relationships, work, and daily life. The right support makes a real difference, and that support is more accessible than ever.
Talkspace offers online therapy with licensed mental health professionals who understand mood disorders and can help you build the coping tools you need to manage symptoms over the long term. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing cyclothymia for years, consistent care can help you regain stability.
Take the first step. Connect with a licensed therapist at Talkspace and start managing cyclothymia with the support you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can cyclothymia turn into bipolar I or II?
Yes, some people diagnosed with cyclothymia may eventually develop bipolar I or bipolar II disorder. Your risk may be higher if symptoms become more severe over time or if you have a family history of bipolar disorder.
How long do cyclothymic mood cycles last?
Cyclothymic mood cycles can last anywhere from several days to a few weeks. Unlike bipolar disorder, people with cyclothymia usually don't experience long periods of completely stable mood lasting more than two months.
Is medication always required for cyclothymia?
No, medication isn't always necessary for cyclothymia. Some people manage symptoms through therapy, lifestyle changes, and healthy routines alone, while others benefit from prescription mental health medication as part of treatment.
Can cyclothymia affect relationships or work?
Yes, cyclothymia can impact both personal relationships and work due to mood fluctuations that may cause misunderstandings or stress. Seeking relationship advice or engaging in couples therapy can help manage interpersonal challenges and improve communication with partners.
How can I support a loved one with cyclothymia?
Supporting a loved one with cyclothymia involves patience, understanding, and consistent communication. Encouraging them to seek professional help, staying informed about the condition, and offering emotional support while maintaining healthy boundaries can make a meaningful difference.
