Cyclothymia is a mood disorder located on the bipolar spectrum, during which euphoric periods and periods of depression and irritability follow one another. What are the treatments to treat it?
Cyclothymic disorders would affect 0.4 to 1% of the population (men, women, children). The onset of cyclothymic disorder is seen in adolescents or young adults. What is a cyclothymic person? What treatments to treat cyclothymia?
What is a cyclothymic person?
Cyclothymia or cyclothymic disorder is a (milder) form of bipolar disorder. This mood disorder evolves in a chronic and fluctuating manner through euphoric periods and depressive periods, without any particular connection with life events. It causes discomfort and difficulties in professional and family life. We observe that 15 to 50% of cyclothymic disorders progress to bipolar disorders type 1 or 2. Cyclothymic people have a high propensity for anxiety, fears and anxieties. As a couple, this can result in extreme jealousy. “To my knowledge, there is no classification of clinical forms of cyclothymia, explains Ludovic Samalin, psychiatrist at Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital. On the other hand, we can distinguish cyclothymic temperament, cyclothymic personality and cyclothymia (or cyclothymic disorder) but these are 3 distinct entities and not clinical forms of cyclothymia.
What causes cyclothymia?
The fact ofhaving people with bipolar disorder in your family constitutes a risk factor for developing cyclothymia. “Other risk factors for developing bipolar disorders, including cyclothymia, are drug or alcohol abuse, sad or happy stressful events (divorce, death of a loved one, birth, etc.) or even a unbalanced lifestyle (unregulated sleep, night work, etc.)“, recalls the specialist.
What are the symptoms of cyclothymia?
The symptoms of cyclothymia are those of bipolar disorder less severe. “The disease is characterized by a alternating periods of depression and hypomanic periods“, continues the doctor. Symptoms depressed (loss of energy, feeling of uselessness, loss of interest in things that normally give pleasure) are insufficient in number or intensity to meet the criteria for a full-blown depressive episode. In the same way, hypomanic symptoms (unusual feeling of euphoria, irritability, hyperactivity, talkativeness, exaggerated feeling of self-esteem, lack of introspection, etc.) are insufficient in number or intensity to meet the criteria for a hypomanic episode. “This is why we consider that cyclothymic disorder is a mild or even prodromal form of bipolar disorder.
The diagnosis of cyclothymia is made by a psychiatrist if a person has had the periods of symptoms presented above for at least two years.
What treatments to treat cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia, like all other bipolar disorders, is treated with drugs : of the mood stabilizers such as lithium, antipsychotics second generation and some anticonvulsants. “Cognitive and behavioral psychotherapy can be considered in combination with drug treatment”, specifies our interlocutor. Of the psychoeducation sessions aim to provide patients with a better understanding and knowledge of their illness and treatment (recognizing the triggers of manic and depressive episodes, knowing medications, how to manage stress, establishing a regular lifestyle, etc.) in order to reduce their symptoms and frequency.
► It is possible to optimize the prevention of relapses of hypomanic periods or depressive periods “avoiding stressful situations and learning to relax through meditation or yoga” argues Dr Samalin. Sleeping well is essential. Not getting enough sleep is in fact a factor favoring the appearance of a period of hypomanic excitement.. It is advisable to stop drinking or limit alcohol consumption because excess alcohol can be a trigger for hypomanic or depressive periods. The consumption of drugs is strictly not recommended.
Thanks to Dr Ludovic Samalin, psychiatrist at Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital for his proofreading.