Milder mood swings: Understanding cyclothymia disorder

The disease is rare and affects between 0.5% and 1% of the population

Actor Theodoro Cochrane said in an interview with podcasts “Sorry Something” has been diagnosed with cyclothymia. According to Dr. Fernanda Rizzo (CRM-ES 15.099) it is a bipolar spectrum disorder, characterized by episodes of hypomania and mild depression. She comments that the more abrupt transition from depression to euphoria may be an indicator of this disorder, however, it is important to remember that in cyclothymia the mood swings tend to be milder. “The mood changes can be more rapid, but they are not as intense as those observed in bipolar disorder. What differentiates cyclothymia is precisely this alternation between phases of high energy and moments of low energy, without reaching extremes and lasting shorter,” he explains.

The doctor says that the disease can manifest itself in childhood and adolescence, but is diagnosed more frequently in adulthood. Rizzo points out that in children and adolescents it is common for these mood swings to be confused with typical puberty behaviors, such as rebellion or stubbornness, which can significantly delay the diagnosis.

Characteristic symptoms

According to the doctor, in the hypomania phase, the patient may experience increased energy, euphoria, increased productivity, decreased need for sleep and, often, impulsiveness. In the depressive phase, symptoms such as sadness, low self-esteem, tiredness and loss of interest in activities that normally gave the individual pleasure appear. “The interesting thing is that these fluctuations, although less intense, can repeat themselves over time, causing an impact on the person’s quality of life,” he underlines.

Treatment

Rizzo notes that the treatment combines psychotherapy, of which cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the most recommended, in addition to medications. He points out that mood stabilizers, such as lithium, and some antiseizure medications are commonly used to regulate these fluctuations. In some cases, antidepressants can be used, but always with caution so as not to trigger a phase of hypomania. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as maintaining regular sleep, exercising, and avoiding substances that aggravate symptoms, such as alcohol and drugs, are essential.

Cyclothymia can be confused with other disorders

According to the doctor, this is something that can be quite confused with, for example, bipolar disorder. However, the fluctuations in this mood disorder are more intense, since the manic and depressive phases are much more severe than in cyclothymia.

Another common confusion is with borderline personality disorder, which also involves rapid mood swings. In borderline, these fluctuations are more related to external events, specific triggering situations and conflicts in interpersonal relationships. In cyclothymia, mood cycles are more internal and constant.

Dr. Fernanda Rizzo – Photographic advertising

Furthermore, Rizzo emphasizes that differentiating it from depression is essential. In cyclothymia, episodes of depression are milder and interspersed with periods of hypomania. In major depressive disorder, episodes of hypomania are not present. “It can also be confused with anxiety disorders, but what predominates in cyclothymia are mood changes,” he concludes.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.