Cyclothymia symptoms are similar to those of bipolar I or II disorder, but they're less severe. When you have cyclothymia, you can typically function in your daily life, though not always well.
There are many different symptoms -- and several different types -- of bipolar disorder. The primary symptoms are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. The types of bipolar disorder range from mild to severe.
Other types.
Bipolar II disorder is not a milder form of bipolar I disorder, but a separate diagnosis. While the manic episodes of bipolar I disorder can be severe and dangerous, individuals with bipolar II disorder can be depressed for longer periods, which can cause significant impairment.
Hypomania is a milder form of mania. If you're experiencing hypomania, your energy level is higher than usual, but it's not as extreme as in mania, and it may only last for a few days. Other people may notice if you have hypomania, but in many cases, you won't need to be hospitalized for it.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders currently lists five types: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, other specified bipolar and related disorders, and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.
There are three types of bipolar disorder. All three types involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels.
Cyclothymia has many similarities to bipolar disorder. Most people's symptoms are mild enough that they do not seek mental health treatment, or the emotional highs feel nice, so they do not realise there's anything wrong or want to seek help. This means cyclothymia often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Bipolar spectrum disorder—also known as “subthreshold bipolar disorder” or “soft bipolar disorder”—is diagnosed when there are many symptoms of bipolar disorder but not all criteria fit the illness' textbook definition.
Hypomania is a milder version of mania that lasts for a short period (usually a few days) Mania is a more severe form that lasts for a longer period (a week or more)
Symptoms of a manic episode
Feeling extremely happy or excited — even euphoric. Not sleeping or only getting a few hours of sleep but still feeling rested. Having an inflated self-esteem, thinking you're invincible. Being more talkative than usual.
Although symptoms may come and go, bipolar disorder usually requires lifelong treatment and does not go away on its own. Bipolar disorder can be an important factor in suicide, job loss, ability to function, and family discord. However, proper treatment can lead to better functioning and improved quality of life.
Some of the symptoms can overlap. However, bipolar disorder primarily causes extreme mood shifts, whereas schizophrenia causes delusions and hallucinations. Both disorders can be serious and psychologically debilitating, though bipolar disorder is more common than schizophrenia.
Depressed mood (sad, hopeless, empty) most of the day, nearly every day (in kids or teens, this can look like irritability) Loss of interest or pleasure in previously favorite activities. Significant changes in appetite or weight. Restlessness, such as pacing the room.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings. These can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). Episodes of mania and depression often last for several days or longer.
Bipolar generally does not go away and requires a lifetime of treatment, but you can develop skills to better manage manic and depressive episodes.
A number of other mental disorders are associated with mood swings. Mental disorders which may be commonly confused with bipolar disorder include Borderline Personality Disorder , Schizoaffective Disorder, Unipolar Depression, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.
Cyclothymia symptoms are similar to those of bipolar I or II disorder, but they're less severe. When you have cyclothymia, you can typically function in your daily life, though not always well.
The manic episodes associated with Bipolar may not be obvious. They can be mistaken for other behaviours such as those commonly found with ADHD (rapid speech, inability to concentrate) because the person may not have had a manic episode until later in life.
The average age of bipolar onset is around 25 years old, although it can vary. Sometimes bipolar symptoms start in childhood or later in life. However, the most frequent range of onset is between the ages of 14 to 21 years. Childhood bipolar is relatively rare, with only up to 3% of children receiving this diagnosis.
Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment with medications, even during periods when you feel better. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.
Severe changes in mood — either extremely irritable or overly silly and elated. Overly-inflated self-esteem; grandiosity. Increased energy. Decreased need for sleep — able to go with very little or no sleep for days without tiring.
Long-term studies show that both major depression (unipolar and bipolar) and mania are most common in early adulthood and less common in older age. The prevalence of mania tends to decrease with age even more than depression. Mood symptoms in general decline with age, and the balance does shift more to depression.
It is also known as cyclothymic disorder. People who live with the condition experience emotional swings over time. These swings range from a low depressive mood with little energy, to feelings of exuberance and high energy. Cyclothymia is considered the mildest form of the three levels of bipolar affective disorder1.
When left untreated, the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder will often increase in severity and may lead to suicide; there is a high suicide rate for people with the disorder. When treated, it's possible to control the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and enjoy a more stable and fulfilling life.