IX. Conclusion and Summary / The Future for Patients with Cyclothymic Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder, or Cyclothymia, is a severe and chronic mood disorder consisting of frequent fluctuations between depression and hypomania. Recent studies have shown that up to 1% of the population may suffer from this illness, although most are undiagnosed. Due to the ambiguous nature and high comorbidity rates associated with Cyclothymic Disorder, this disease is vastly understudied and often misdiagnosed or missed entirely. This illness is extremely disruptive to the afflicted individual's lifestyle, and without treatment, a Cyclothymic individual may never succeed in maintaining a course of study, steady employment or a long-term relationship. The severe mood fluctuations can affect a Cyclothymic individual in every facet of their lives, including their money management skills, sleep cycles, ability to follow through on commitments, familial and romantic relations, employment, decision making and general quality of life.
Eleven individuals who suffer from Cyclothymic Disorder were interviewed for this course. They offered their experiences and opinions in order to provide you with a mechanism for understanding Cyclothymia beyond the realm of medical criterion and through the eyes of individuals who suffer from this disorder. While all names and identifying information in this course has been disguised, the stories and information are all true.
In this final section of this course, I will provide a brief overview of the symptoms, identification methods and treatment options for Cyclothymic Disorder, as well as a discussion of the possible future outcomes of patients afflicted with this illness.
Symptoms of Cyclothymic Disorder
The most common symptoms and warning signs of Cyclothymic Disorder, as seen above through the medical definitions and through the experiences of Will and Karen include:
- Periods of hypomania frequently fluctuating with periods of depression
- Hypomania = A state of elevated mood, increased energy and activity levels, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, excessiveness, extreme extroversion, unusual cheerfulness and over confidence.
- Depression = A state of upset or "blue" moods milder than Major Depression (Cyclothymia patients are usually not suicidal). Symptoms include: feelings of sadness and hopelessness, decreased motivation, negative thoughts, increased need for sleep, introversion, reduced activity, motivation and concentration.
- Substance abuse (usually marijuana or alcohol) often as an attempt to self-medicate
- Resistance to antidepressant medications
- Inability to maintain long term relationships, employment or course of study
- Frequent changes in residence or lifestyle
- Family history of Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Abuse or Cyclothymic Disorder
Many diseases may resemble Cyclothymia, and it is important to rule out many other Psychiatric, Medical and Drug-Induced conditions before making assumptions. In addition, keep in mind that Cyclothymia can easily be missed or misdiagnosed. One of the most important factors in correct diagnosis of this illness is the exploration of mania or hypomania in any individual that complains of depressive symptoms (and vice versa). As shown through Karen's experiences and proven through recent psychology theories such as the Kindling Theory, incorrect treatment or lack of treatment can be extremely harmful to patients with Cyclothymic Disorder.
How to Help Your Cyclothymic Patient Live With Their Illness
Once you or another medical professional has diagnosed an individual with Cyclothymic Disorder, there are many ways in which you can help him or her improve their quality of life beyond their medical treatment.
One of the most important, and most lacking, aids you can give to Cyclothymic patients is information. Any handout information, websites or support group contacts will encourage the individual to learn about their illness and gain control of their mood fluctuation. The one-page handout included at the end of the course may be given out to patients who wish to learn more about the disease.
It is also recommended by both mental health professionals and by individuals with Cyclothymic Disorder that the patient start a mood diary in which they analyze their thought processes on a daily basis. This method has helped many Cyclothymic individuals understand and control their mood swings, overall improving their quality of life.
In addition, it may be helpful to recommend to Cyclothymic individuals that they become involved in a regular activity. This can help stabilize their lifestyles and provide them with an outlet for their emotions.
If it is possible, discussing support mechanisms with the individual's family will be extremely helpful to both the Cyclothymic patient and his or her close relatives. Family counseling should include encouragement of forgiveness for the individual's past behavior, validation of Cyclothymia as an illness and education as to the future outlook of the Cyclothymic patient.
The Patient's Future: The Outlook for Cyclothymic Individuals
Overall, according to Dr. Cohen, 15-50 percent of Cyclothymic individuals will deteriorate into Bipolar I or II Disorder. However, it is believed that with early and steady treatment this statistic may improve.
With medication and therapy, most Cyclothymic patients are able to reach a state of remission (in which they experience little or no symptoms). Many of these individuals have experienced the most success working in a flexible environment and maintaining consistent sleeping and eating schedules.
The Cyclothymic individuals interviewed for this course related that they hope that in the future they will be able to better control their moods and reach their potential as successful employees, spouses and parents. As a healthcare professional, by helping Cyclothymic individuals accept their illness, seek treatment and live with Cyclothymia, you can help these individuals and others achieve these goals.
* IMPORTANT NOTE: This course is not an official scientific study; assumptions and recommendations therein are entirely those of the patients, medical health professionals and the author of this course.
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