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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffCyclothymia (si-kloh-THIGH-me-uh), also called cyclothymic disorder, is a mild form of bipolar disorder. Like bipolar disorder, cyclothymia is a chronic mood disorder that causes emotional ups and downs.
With cyclothymia, you experience periods when your mood noticeably fluctuates from your baseline. You may feel on top of the world for a time, followed by a low period when you feel somewhat blue. Between these cyclothymic highs and lows, you may feel stable and fine.
Compared with bipolar disorder, the highs and lows of cyclothymia are less extreme. Still, it's critical to seek help managing these symptoms because they increase your risk of bipolar disorder. Treatment options for cyclothymia include psychotherapy, medications, and — most important — close, ongoing follow-up with your doctor.
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- Stovall J. Bipolar disorder: Epidemiology and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
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- Stovall J. Bipolar disorder: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
- Mischoulon D. Update and critique of natural remedies as antidepressant treatments. Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2009;36:789.
- Hall-Flavin, DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 5, 2010.
- Frye MA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 9, 2010
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