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.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
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.
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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