Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder is a mild form of bipolar disorder that has a range of symptoms going from mild depression to mild mania. Cyclothymia is a mood disorder, and 30% of people with cyclothymic disorder have someone with bipolar disorder in their family. However, the wild mania and deep depression are only seen in bipolar disorder 1 while cyclothymic disorder sufferers don’t have to put up with the same problems. Their symptoms are much milder and easier to control.

There are some indications it is caused genetically, but some psychiatrists postulate that it is caused by childhood experiences of trauma and unmet needs. Hypomania is sometimes characterized as a lack of self-criticism and no inhibition. The patient sometimes goes through denial in order to forego actual problems and avoid the internal fomenting of depression. Hypomania can also be caused by an extreme interpersonal loss. There is a false feeling of euphoria that is used to prevent real sadness, anger, and the disappearance of a loved one.

Stressful events in the early life of a child can cause cyclothymic disorder, and job loss, relationship loss, learned helplessness, and negative thinking patterns can all be part of what causes it. Environmental influences and marital problems can also cause cyclothymic disorder. Psychosocial origins of this disorder are common, and people would be wise to raise their children in a kind loving environment without trauma.

Geneticists aren’t sure about which genes trigger this disorder, but usually people with bipolar relatives get it, so there is some genetic link. Women get it in the 36-44% range. Men get it in the 18-24% range. The same genes that contribute to depression and anxiety also contribute to cyclothymic disorder so people with either of those conditions may be prone to the other. Environmental influences can account for 60-80% of peoples’ conditions.

Individuals with high cortisol levels can also be prone to cyclothymic disorder. Serotonin can also be low in individuals and because the chemical regulates the stress hormones like norepinephrine and dopamine, those without it may have irritability, impulsiveness, and mood irregularities of all kinds. Regulation of brain chemicals with special medications can increase serotonin and reduce the stress hormones that contribute to depression and anxiety.
People with cyclothymic disorder may have had traumatic experiences in childhood, but even those without traumatic experiences could still develop the condition for unrelated genetic causes so parents shouldn’t feel too bad if their parents turn out to have cyclothymic disorder.