Are you struggling with cyclothymic bipolar disorder? Do you feel like you don’t understand what is happening to you? You are not alone. This comprehensive guide will help you understand cyclothymia and how to manage your symptoms. We will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cyclothymia. We hope that this guide will provide you with the information that you need to get on the path to recovery!
Contents
What Is Cyclothymic Bipolar? 
Cyclothymic bipolar disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a form of bipolar disorder that is characterized by less severe symptoms than those seen in other types of bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia is considered a milder form of bipolar disorder, and people who have cyclothymia may only experience intermittent periods of depression and mania/hypomania. However, even though the symptoms may be less severe, cyclothymia can still cause significant disruptions in a person’s life.
What Are The Symptoms?
There are many symptoms, including:
- mood swings
- anxiety
- depression
- irritability
- impulsiveness
- difficulty sleeping
- fatigue
- loss of interest in hobbies or activities that used to bring joy
- feeling worthless or hopeless.
Cyclothymic bipolar can be a very debilitating disorder, but there is hope for those who suffer from it.
What Are The Risk Elements? 
Cyclothymic bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness that is characterized by cyclical mood swings. People with cyclothymic bipolar disorder may experience periods of depression followed by periods of mania. While the symptoms of cyclothymic bipolar disorder are not as severe as those of other types of bipolar disorder, they can still be disruptive to a person’s life.
There are several risk factors for cyclothymic bipolar disorder, including:
Family History
Cyclothymic bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so if you have a family member with the condition, you may be at increased risk.
Family history may play a role in the development of the condition. Cyclothymic bipolar is more common in people who have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with the condition. This suggests that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
Stressful Life Events
Exposure to stressors such as trauma or major life changes can trigger the onset of cyclothymia.
For example, work stress, relationship problems, or even just the day-to-day grind of life can be enough to trigger a manic or depressive episode in someone with cyclothymia. There are many different types of stressful life events that can trigger cyclothymic bipolar. Some common examples include job loss or financial difficulties, relationship problems, moving to a new home or city, the death of a loved one, and chronic illness or injury.
Drug Or Alcohol Abuse
Substance abuse is a common trigger for cyclothymic bipolar disorder. When people with cyclothymia abuse drugs or alcohol, it can cause them to swing from one extreme mood to the other.
For example, someone who is normally happy and outgoing may become depressed and withdrawn after using alcohol or drugs. Alternatively, someone who is usually shy and introverted may become more outgoing and extroverted after using substances. This change in behavior can be extremely confusing and difficult to deal with.
Psychiatric Disorders
Having another psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety or depression, can increase your risk for cyclothymic bipolar disorder.
Psychiatric disorders are often cyclothymic bipolar, which means that they go through cycles of highs and lows. For example, someone with cyclothymic bipolar disorder may be very energetic and happy for a few weeks or months, and then suddenly become very depressed and withdrawn for a period of time. These cycles can last for years, and people with cyclothymic bipolar disorder often have difficulty maintaining stable relationships, jobs, and lives.
Other Mental Health Disorders
Having another mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression, can increase your risk for cyclothymic bipolar disorder.
There are a number of other mental health disorders that can cause cyclothymic bipolar disorder. For example, if someone has cyclothymia and also suffers from depression, they may be diagnosed with cyclothymic bipolar disorder.
Similarly, if someone has cyclothymia and also suffers from anxiety, they may also be diagnosed with cyclothymic bipolar disorder. In both cases, the cyclothymia is thought to trigger the other mental health disorder, which then causes the cyclothymic bipolar symptoms.
Other mental health disorders that have been linked to cyclothymic bipolar include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse disorders, and eating disorders.
What Are The Consequences?
Cyclothymic bipolar is a serious mental disorder that may result in the following consequences:
Difficulty Functioning At Work Or School
Cyclothymic bipolar can lead to difficulty functioning at work or school for a number of reasons. For one, the cyclothymic individual may have trouble maintaining focus and concentration on tasks.
Additionally, cyclothymia can result in mood swings which can make it difficult to interact with co-workers or classmates. Finally, cyclothymia can lead to impulsive behavior which can interfere with productivity or cause problems in relationships.
Relationship Problems
Cyclothymic bipolar is a mental illness that causes extreme changes in mood. These changes can make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships. The ailment often leads to relationship problems because the individual may swing from one extreme emotion to another, which can be confusing and frustrating for their partner.
Cyclothymic bipolar may also cause the individual to withdraw from their loved ones, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Substance Abuse
Many victims may self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to cope with their symptoms. Additionally, the impulsivity and recklessness associated with cyclothymic bipolar can increase the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including drug use. Substance abuse can also worsen the symptoms of cyclothymic bipolar, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break free from.
Financial Problems
Cyclothymic bipolar disorder can lead to financial problems for a variety of reasons. For one, the condition can interfere with a person’s ability to maintain employment. This is because cyclothymia can cause mood swings and episodes of depression or mania that make it difficult to concentrate, complete tasks, and interact with co-workers.
Additionally, cyclothymia can also lead to impulsive spending during manic episodes, which can add up over time and put a strain on finances. Finally, the medication used to treat cyclothymia can be expensive, and many people with the condition also have to pay for therapy and other mental health services.
Legal Problems
People suffering from the disorder may be more likely to engage in risky or illegal behaviors when they are experiencing a high. This can lead to problems such as getting arrested or into accidents.
Additionally, cyclothymic bipolar can also interfere with a person’s ability to make sound decisions, which can lead to bad decisions being made in regard to legal matters.
Finally, cyclothymic bipolar can also impact a person’s memory and cognitive functioning, which can make it difficult for them to remember important details or accurately recall events, both of which can be problematic in legal situations.
Self-Harm Or Suicide Attempts
Cyclothymic bipolar disorder can lead to self-harm or suicide attempts for a variety of reasons. For example, people may feel like they are a burden to others, and that their loved ones would be better off without them. They may also experience intense periods of depression and hopelessness, feeling like there is no way out of their situation.
Additionally, cyclothymic bipolar can cause individuals to act impulsively and make impulsive decisions, which can sometimes lead to self-harm or suicide attempts.
Hospitalization
Cyclothymic bipolar often leads to hospitalization due to the instability of the condition. Those with cyclothymic bipolar often have long periods of highs and lows, which can make it difficult to function in everyday life. The psychological disorder can also lead to suicidal ideation or attempts, which is another reason why hospitalization may be necessary.
How Therapies Can Help?
There are various therapies that may help an individual recover from this issue. The different therapies may include the following classifications:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy 
CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps an individual identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. This treatment helps people to manage their symptoms and emotions.
CBT can also help people to understand their condition and how it affects their lives. It is an effective treatment for cyclothymic bipolar disorder because it helps people to change their thinking patterns and behaviors, which can lead to a better quality of life.
Interpersonal And Social Rhythm Therapy
IPSRT is a type of therapy that focuses on helping an individual stabilize their daily routines. The first step in IPSRT is education about the illness, which helps patients understand what they are dealing with and how it affects their lives. Patients also learn how to identify early warning signs of mood swings and take action to prevent them from becoming full-blown manic or depressive episodes.
In addition to education, patients also receive support and guidance in developing a daily routine and sticking to it. This includes regular sleep patterns, eating healthy meals, exercising regularly, and avoiding triggers that can worsen symptoms. For many patients, making these lifestyle changes can be challenging, but the IPSRT protocol can help them stick to their goals and improve their overall health.
Functional Family Therapy
How Medications May Supplement? 
Medical therapies for this subtype of bipolar disorder include the use of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Mood stabilizers such as Lithium and Valproate are commonly used to treat cyclothymia.
Antipsychotics such as Olanzapine and Risperidone may also be prescribed for treating cyclothymia. Antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Paroxetine are often used to treat the depressive symptoms associated with cyclothymia.
How Self-Coping Mechanisms Can Help? 
There are a number of self-help strategies that can be used to help recover from such a mental disorder. These include:
- Identifying and avoiding triggers: Triggers are anything that can cause a person to become agitated or depressed. Common triggers for cyclothymic bipolar include stress, lack of sleep, and substance abuse.
- Learning to manage stress: Stress is a major trigger for cyclothymic bipolar episodes. Managing stress can help prevent episodes from occurring.
- Getting regular exercise: Exercise can help relieve symptoms of cyclothymic bipolar and improve overall mood.
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet can help stabilize mood and energy levels.
- Practicing relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and promote feelings of calmness.
- Getting enough sleep: Sleep is important for overall health and well-being. cyclothymic bipolar can often cause disruptions in sleep, so it’s important to make sure you are getting enough rest.
These are some of the self-help strategies that can be used to help recover from cyclothymic bipolar.
Conclusion
Cyclothymia is a serious mental illness that should not be taken lightly. It can be very debilitating and cause great distress in one’s life. If you think you may have cyclothymia, it is important to seek professional help.
With the right treatment, cyclothymia can be managed and people can live relatively normal lives. Don’t allow it to take over your life. Seek help and get cyclothymia under control. Be happy and enjoy your life cyclothymia free. You deserve it.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. If you have any queries regarding Online Bipolar Disorder Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Bipolar Disorder therapy session
