Cyclothymia: A Mild Form of Bipolar II Disorder

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Just a tad bit of fire and sadness

There are so many variations of Bipolar Disorder.. the up and downs of depression and mania can be severe or mild.

This page is about the milder form, Cyclothymia, which Mayo clinic describes as:

"Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a chronic mood disorder that results in short periods of mild emotional and behavioral "highs" alternating with short periods of mild to moderate depression. People with cyclothymia also experience intermittent periods of emotional and behavioral stability."

What is Cyclothymia? 

Cyclothymia () is a mood disorder and a form of bipolar disorder. It is defined in the bipolar spectrum. Specifically, this disorder is a milder form of bipolar II disorder consisting of recurrent mood disturbances between hypomania and dysthymic mood. A single episode of hypomania is sufficient to diagnose cyclothymic disorder; however, most individuals also have dysthymic periods. The diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder is never made when there is a history of mania or major depressive episode or mixed episode. The lifetime prevalence of cyclothymic disorder is 0.4-1%. The rate appears equal in men and women, though women more often seek treatment.

What makes you feel better? 

Vote for & Add your favorite treats and mood-lifters! Sometimes something simple can make a big difference :) I'll start this list with a few things that work for me....

Celestial Seasonings Herb Tea, Sleepytime, Tea

Celestial Seasonings Herb Tea, Sleepytime, Tea

So calming and helpful with getting to sleep!0 points

Stash Premium Chamomile Herbal Tea

Stash Premium Chamomile Herbal Tea

Chamomile tea is a calming tea, good for mild anxi more...0 points

Chelated Magnesium

Chelated Magnesium

Magnesium really helps for sadness, tearful times. more...0 points

Plush Bruiser Bear 39

Plush Bruiser Bear 39"

A big bear for hugging :) My stuffed animals alway more...0 points

Source Naturals 5-HTP

Source Naturals 5-HTP

Good Supplement for Mood, Emotions & Sleep0 points

St. John's Wort 375 mg 250 Caps

St. John's Wort 375 mg 250 Caps

Tired of singing the blues? Brighten your spirits more...0 points

What is Dysthymia? 

Dysthymic Disorder ( or ) is a chronic mood disorder that falls within the depression spectrum, the opposite of hyperthymia. It is considered a chronic depression, but with less severity than major depressive disorder. This disorder tends to be a chronic, long-lasting illness.Hersen, M., Turner, S. M., & Beidel, D. C. (Eds.). (2007). Adult Psychopathology and Diagnosis (5th ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Dysthymia is a type of low-grade depression. Harvard Health Publications states that, ?the Greek word dysthymia means ?bad state of mind' or ?ill humor'. As one of the two chief forms of clinical depression, it usually has fewer or less serious symptoms than major depression but lasts longer.? Harvard Health Publications says, ?at least three-quarters of patients with dysthymia also have a chronic physical illness or another psychiatric disorder such as one of the anxiety disorders, drug addiction, or alcoholism?. The Primary Care Journal says that dysthymia ?affects approximately 3% of the population and is associated with significant functional impairment?. Harvard Health Publications says: "The rate of depression in the families of people with dysthymia is as high as 50% for the early-onset form of the disorder." "Most people with dysthymia can't tell for sure when they first became depressed".

My Other Lenses about Mood Disorders 

For those who have Bipolar Disorder...  

Tell us a little bit about why you like or dislike the up mood. It will help others to understand what it's like.

Do you enjoy the Hypomania - the "high" mood swings?

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by hotbrain

I like to drink tea every day. I used to write poetry and maybe I should start writing some again. I like to take photographs and have fun on Squidoo.... (more)
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