Mood disorders are very difficult to deal with, especially when you do not under stand them and their effects. Cyclothymia and dysthymia are two common mood disorders. Their symptoms are not as severe as some other disorders but typically last for a persons entire life. They are have many similarities and a few differences, let’s explore what those are.
Facts About Cyclothymia
1. Overview
Cyclothymia is a mood disorder that is similar to bipolar disorder. It causes a person to have noticeable ups and downs in attitude during an episode. The time in between these episodes the person normally feels completely fine and stable.
2. Symptoms
The symptoms of cyclothymia are very similar to bipolar symptoms, but are less severe. They include two different phases of feelings: hypomanic and depressive phase. During a hypomanic phase a person may experience feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism, rapid speech, excessive physical activity, increased sex drive, and the inability to concentrate. The depressive phase of cyclothymia is characterized by unexplained sadness, guilt, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, loss of interests, decreased sex drive, and irritability.
3. Cause
The specific cause of cyclothymia is still unknown but it is thought to be hereditary. Your body’s chemical process may also play a role as well as the environment as to which you experience your episodes. Your chances of developing bipolar disorder is increased if you have cyclothymia.
4. Diagnosis
Diagnosing cyclothymia can be difficult but it is helpful to write down symptoms as you experience them and to keep track of how long they have been present. A person is not diagnoses with this disorder unless they have been experiencing symptoms for two years will no longer than two months in between episodes. It is one year for teens and young children.
5. Treatment
The treatment for cyclothymia is focused on reducing the frequency of your symptoms, preventing a relapse of symptoms and to treat any alcohol or substance problems that may have been developed due to the disorder. Some medications may be prescribed including mood stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs. Therapy can also be effective treatment for cyclothymia.
Things To Know About Dysthymia
1. Basics
Dysthymia is a type of chronic but mild form of depression. It is also referred to as neurotic depression or chronic depression. It is a mood disorder that can greatly impact a persons day to day life.
2. Symptoms
The symptoms associated with dysthymia can include any of the following in any degree of severity.
Trouble concentrating
Feelings of guilt
Sleep problems
Loss of interest
Avoiding social situation
Irritability
Poor social skills
Low self esteem
Unexplained sadness
Decreased appetite or overeating
Hopelessness
Excessive anger
These symptoms typically come and go and the intensity changes over time.
3. Cause
Like most mood disorders the exact cause of dysthymia is unknown but some factors are thought to play a role in this disorder developing. Biochemical problems in the brain and a family history of the problem may indicate a reason. Your environment or a traumatic even may also spur the development of dysthymia.
4. Treatment
Antidepressants may help to manage symptoms of this mood disorder but now cure is available Therapy can also be helpful in order to help discover the root of the problem that caused the dysthymia in the first place.
Differences Between Cyclothymia and Dysthymia
1. Symptoms
Cyclothymia and dysthymia are both mood disorders but have very different effects. Cyclothymia causes episodes of both euphoria and depression. Dysthymia is just depression and no “highs” are experienced.
2. Similarities
The only real difference between these two disorders is that in cyclothymia episodes of euphoria are finished. But one big thing they have in common are the periods of depression. Depression causes very severe and life altering symptoms in a person. Suicidal thoughts, appetite changes, overwhelming sadness, and a loss of interests in things you normally enjoyed are all experienced with both dysthymia and cyclothymia.