Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder)

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Coping with cyclothymia can be difficult. Medications can have unwanted side effects, and you may feel angry or resentful about having a serious condition that requires lifelong treatment. During periods when you feel better, or during hypomanic episodes, you may be tempted to stop your cyclothymia treatment. Here are some ways to cope with cyclothymic disorder:

  • Learn about cyclothymia. Learning about your condition and its possible complications can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan.
  • Join a support group. Support groups for people with cyclothymia or even bipolar disorder can help you reach out to others facing similar challenges.
  • Stay focused on your goals. Recovery from cyclothymic disorder can take time. Stay motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind and reminding yourself that you can work to repair damaged relationships, work problems, financial woes or other issues.
  • Find healthy outlets. Explore healthy ways to channel your energy, such as hobbies, exercise and recreational activities.
  • Learn relaxation and stress management. Try such stress-reduction techniques as meditation, yoga or tai chi.
References
  1. Cyclothymic disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  2. Stovall J. Bipolar disorder: Epidemiology and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  3. Joska JA, et al. Phenomenology of mood disorders. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  4. Muzina DJ. Bipolar spectrum disorder: Differential diagnosis and treatment. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2007;34:521.
  5. Stovall J. Bipolar disorder: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
  6. Mischoulon D. Update and critique of natural remedies as antidepressant treatments. Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2009;36:789.
  7. Hall-Flavin, DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 5, 2010.
  8. Frye MA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 9, 2010
DS00729 April 16, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger