People who have Cyclothymic Disorder go through periods of being mildly depressed followed by highs where they feel great.

The changes can be sudden with mood changes lasting only a few hours, days or weeks. To receive the Cyclothymic diagnosis, these periods of mood swings must be experienced for at lease two years with no more than two months of “normal” mood states interrupting the cycle.

Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder include the following:

Depression

• Lack of attention to daily responsibilities
• Feeling hopeless or guilty
• Bouts of crying
• Inability to make decisions
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Uninterested in life and things that used to be enjoyed

Hypomania

• Confidence in self and ability
• Bouts of creativity
• Ability to focus on tasks
• Being able to ignore problems that would have otherwise caused a great amount of grief
• Elated feeling

Cyclothymic Disorder is treated through a combination of medication and therapy, but first it has to be identified. The number one factor in helping doctors diagnose this condition is the patients themselves. So, if you feel that this description matches the mood swings that you experience, talk to your doctor. Failure to do so could result in this condition progressing into full-fledged Bipolar disorder.