The Facts

Cyclothymic disorder is a type of mood disorder, where people experience numerous periods of mood "highs" and "lows" that are unrelated to life circumstances. The mood instability - mild elation or mild depression - is related to bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression), and is in fact considered to be a milder form of bipolar disorder. Though less severe, cyclothymia can have great impact on a person's life, with unexpected and extreme mood changes disrupting the ability to function normally.

Both men and women are equally likely to suffer from cyclothymia, affecting up to 1% of the population. Cyclothymic disorder generally starts appearing during young adulthood, though onset may also occur at a later age.

Causes

The exact causes of cyclothymia are not known, but it is often a result of the same genetic factors that cause bipolar disorder. In fact, approximately one in three people with cyclothymia will eventually be diagnosed with bipolar disorder following a full-blown manic episode or major depression. People with cyclothymic disorder usually have a family history of major depression, bipolar disorder, suicide, or alcohol or drug dependence.