Cyclothymia vs. Bipolar

Like most mental health disorders, the severity of bipolar disorder can range from mild to severe, or anywhere in between. The term "bipolar" covers several disorders. Different types of bipolar disorders share certain traits and have extreme shifts in moods and behaviors as a common element.

Some people may think that changes in their mood are caused by external, environmental factors. However, these shifts may be a mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia. People may question whether their "mood swings" are severe enough to be classified as bipolar disorder. However, even mild cases of bipolar disorder can be treated.

Depressive and Manic Episodes of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar I involves extreme ups and extreme downs are referred to as depressive episodes and manic episodes. The mood swings can affect someone's day to day function and others around them.

Depressive episodes often involve severe depression symptoms that look just like those of major depressive disorder.

Manic episodes are characterized by:

feeling highly energized and happy
racing thoughts, ideas, and speech
extra confidence
being easily agitated and irritated.

People with bipolar disorders may also experience bouts of psychosis where they lose touch with some reality. Occasionally, periods of mania or depression are accompanied by a different perception or interpretation of information. People may potentially experience hallucinations and are unable to determine what is real and what is not.

These depressive and manic episodes can last anywhere from a few hours to a few months.

Hypomania

Bipolar I and bipolar II both experience highs and lows yet differ in the severity of each.

Bipolar II experiences the same symptoms of mania, but at a much more mild level. This milder form of mania is called hypomania. On the other end of the spectrum, people with bipolar II may have extreme major depressive episodes.

What is Cyclothymia?

Cyclothymia is another disorder that falls under the bipolar umbrella, but it's milder than both bipolar I and II. Symptoms of cyclothymia can be identified by frequent mood swings. These swings must last two or more years and have less than eight weeks between them.

The symptoms experienced during the mood swings are not severe enough to qualify as a depressive or manic episode. Instead, they fight periods of hypomania and mild depression.

Cyclothymia vs. Bipolar Disorder

Cyclothymia is a form of bipolar disorder, but it appears differently than other forms of it. Cyclothymic disorder is a milder form of bipolar that is most commonly confused with bipolar II.

Cyclothymia vs. Bipolar II

Cyclothymia and bipolar disorder II both experience hypomania, which makes the two easily confused. However, people with cyclothymia do not experience lows severe enough to be considered depressive.

People with these mood disorders experience highs and lows, they also experience “normal” moods as well. These periods without mood disturbances are called euthymia, or a euthymic mood.

Cyclothymia can progress to bipolar I or II, but not guaranteed to do so.

Treating Bipolar and Cyclothymia

Bipolar I, II, and cyclothymia are all treatable disorders. With proper management, their impact on a person's daily life can be minimized. Individuals vary person to person, therefore, it is important to discuss a treatment plan with your doctor that best suits you.

Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both can be used to treat bipolar disorder. This helps ensure that the individual remains in a euthymic state.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that is goal-oriented and has the purpose of changing a specific behavior. In the case of bipolar disorders, the client works on their cognitive and emotional connections. This is to adjust their reactions in order to ideally avoid the extreme highs and lows.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) was created on the premise that stressful situations and change can be a trigger for people with bipolar disorders. IPSRT helps stabilize a person’s mood through the use of daily routine and social rhythms. Having a routine, and a regular sleep schedule, contributes to a person’s resiliency when stress, conflict, or disruptions do arise.

Medications

Bipolar disorders typically require medication and most effective treatment plans require a mix of both medication and therapy.

Mood stabilizers can be used to quickly stabilize any manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes that may occur. Traditional antidepressants can be used to manage depression associated with bipolar disorders. Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety that people with bipolar disorders may experience.

Figuring out if a medication will work for you requires time and patience. You may need to try different combinations before you find the one that works best for you. Treatment for bipolar disorders must be ongoing. This will help to control the disorder and prevent relapses into manic or depressive episodes. This means continuing the treatment even when you are feeling “normal."

It is important to work with a doctor to find the right medication and therapy for you. This combination should be tailored to your individual needs. It is beneficial to have regular check-ins with your doctor for long-term treatments. This way you can make sure everything is working properly and adjust if needed.

Treatment at Sequoia Behavioral Health

Sequoia Behavioral Health is a holistic treatment center aimed to treat mental health and behavioral disorders. Our team at Sequoia Behavioral Health is knowledgeable and caring. We have created a safe environment for those struggling with bipolar disorders and other mental health and addiction issues. We offer medication management and an individualized therapy plan for each person that walks through their doors.

Sequoia Behavioral Health can help you manage your mood. This will give you the power to lead your own life, instead of letting your disorder control it. Call today at 480-690-9304 to take your first steps.