Sometimes, mood changes feel subtle, almost unnoticeable…until they begin affecting your work, relationships, and overall well-being. If this sounds familiar, it may be a sign of cyclothymic disorder in adults – one of the bipolar spectrum disorders.
Cyclothymia causes mood swings that can be just as disruptive to daily life and functioning as bipolar I or II disorders. However, the good news is that with timely intervention and the right support, symptoms can be effectively managed, and you can regain emotional stability.
If your moods are impacting your ability to function daily or impeding your overall quality of life, professional mental health support is advised. This page can also help you better understand cyclothymic disorder in adults by exploring:
Cyclothymia causes mood swings with hypomanic and depressive symptoms, but not the full manic or major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I or II.2 Instead, mood symptoms tend to be less severe but much more frequent, rather like experiencing all four seasons within the space of a week. One day may have sunshine, the next day it’s frosty, then the rain clouds roll in. It’s an ever-changing weather pattern for your emotional landscape.
The impact of cyclothymia can make life feel unstable; daily functioning can be a struggle, you never know how you’re going to feel, and daily routines can get disrupted. If left untreated, then work, relationships, and self-confidence may break down.
Fortunately, with early intervention mood disorders like cyclothymia can be effectively treated. Recognizing the symptoms is important for getting the essential support needed to live a more balanced life. The next section discusses these symptoms in greater detail.
Some of the mild bipolar symptoms adults with cyclothymia may notice are:3
If any of these resonate, you may be living with an undiagnosed cyclothymic disorder. Further, cyclothymia generally doesn’t improve on its own. Without treatment, it can cause issues such as:1,3
Worsening mood swings and emotional dysregulation
Fortunately, effective treatments and support are available for cyclothymic disorder in adults, such as emotional dysregulation treatment.1 Receiving a diagnosis of cyclothymia is the first step to accessing this support, which is discussed next.
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
Diagnosis typically involves several steps, like…1,3
A physical exam, sometimes with lab tests, to rule out medical causes
With your permission, your doctor might also speak to a family member or close friend to get a more complete overview of your symptoms.
A diagnosis can then be made using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria. For cyclothymic disorder, this includes:4
Periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least two years
Receiving a diagnosis can bring mixed emotions: relief, confusion, overwhelm, or even fear. All of these feelings are completely valid. But having a name for what you’re experiencing can guide you to effective treatment options and mood stability.
Next, we explore the adult mental health support available for cyclothymic disorders.
If you have been struggling with cyclical mood fluctuations, you may find yourself searching for a treatment provider. A part of this process is to know which treatment level of care you need. There are significant differences in inpatient and outpatient treatment programs that are designed for varying symptoms and intensities.
To help you in your process, A Mission For Michael offers a free and confidential mental health assessment. This allows you to receive professional guidance in the admission process without worrying about costs and required commitments. Our admission counselors will explore your symptoms and mental health history to determine which treatment program would be appropriate for you. Call us today to begin.
Effective therapies for treating cyclothymic disorder include:5
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors and replacing them with more balanced, helpful ones.
On the other hand, antidepressants show mixed results in their ability to treat cyclothymia, and for this reason, are prescribed less frequently and with more ongoing monitoring.6
Some ideas for creating a supportive routine could include the following:
Having a bedtime routine that helps you relax and become more ready for sleep
Residential programs can provide a safe, structured treatment option for adults with more severe symptoms or co-occurring conditions.
In residential settings, you can expect around-the-clock care and support, intensive therapy for mood disorders, medication management (if appropriate), group sessions, and fun activities, all designed to help you heal. These calm and welcoming spaces allow you to fully focus on recovery, while surrounded by people who truly understand what you’re going through – without the usual distractions of everyday life.
Treatment often lays the foundation for stability in cyclothymic disorder, and ongoing management can help you stay balanced and confident going forward. Therefore, the next section discusses how to manage cyclothymia long-term.
Managing cyclothymia long-term can be made easier by incorporating routines into your life that promote mental health stabilization. You could think of them as a lifestyle treatment plan for your well-being.
If you are seeking suggestions for managing cyclothymia, the following may be useful:
Long-term management of cyclothymia is a journey, and it’s natural to have questions along the way. The answers to some of the most common questions are covered in the following sections.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Bipolar Disorder support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.
Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.
View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.
Cyclothymic disorder is on the bipolar spectrum, but mood shifts tend to be milder and more frequent. In bipolar I or II disorder, people experience very distinct depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes with more severe mood symptoms.
Tracking moods can be very useful for spotting early mood changes before they intensify. You can use several different methods to track moods, depending on your personal preference. For instance, you could use a phone app to track your patterns and sleep routines or write the information in a journal each day. Alternatively, you could try putting different colored dots or stickers on a calendar to help you see mood patterns quickly. The key is to experiment with various methods and find a way that works best for you.
Living with cyclothymia may make life feel unpredictable, but with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible. Residential programs can be an empowering step toward stability and healing because accessing the appropriate treatment in the right setting can make all the difference.
At AMFM, we offer a safe, supportive, and structured environment designed to help you manage your moods and focus on your long-term recovery from cyclothymic disorder. With personalized treatment plans, evidence-based approaches, and compassionate care, our residential programs in California, Minnesota, and Virginia are here to help you when you’re ready.
Taking the first step is often the hardest, but also the most important. Contact us today to find out how we can support you on your healing journey.
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