What is cyclothymia? About 5% of the population affected by the so-called cyclothymia. The ICD-10 assigns cyclothymia to mood disorders and describes it as "a persistent instability of mood with many periods of depression and slightly elevated mood (hypomania). Nevertheless, the cyclothymia is not so pronounced that it meets the criteria of bipolar affective disorder. With 15-50 percent of their victims is a possible bipolar disorder as a result of disease. The previously only briefly or not very pronounced change of mood to take it in intensity.
Possible causes and factors favoring The cyclothymia often meets people who are present in their circle of relatives already in the form of bipolar affective disorders disorder. The mood changes develop in early adulthood and thereby not subject to external influences or current life events. The vulnerability probably plays as to the cause and origin of a cyclothymia a role, insofar as concerned respond to changes or life events are particularly vulnerable. This is both genetic and anchored in the personality structure of the individual.
What symptoms characterize the change in mood? Due to the unstable condition, the symptoms differ in each phase of the cyclothymia. The hypomanic phase, which often is associated with high creativity, is characterized by:
* Elevated mood
* Increased self-esteem
* Pressure of speech and sociability
* Optimism
* Decreased need for sleep
* Distractibility
* Hyperactivity and agitation
The depressive phase contrast to determine the following symptoms:
* Depressed mood
* Difficulty concentrating
* Social withdrawal
* Ponder
* Feelings of guilt and diminished self-esteem
Diagnosis and treatment Prof. Dr. Volker Faust points out in his book "melancholy. Recognize depression and existed the longest, manage, prevent and treat" (1999) that a cyclothymia last for at least two years to diagnose them. Since patients have, seldom found among the cyclothymia, they seek according to rarely or not at the doctor. In general, the cyclothymia is not treatment. nevertheless, such a therapist consulted, it decides whether and what type of treatment is appropriate.
bravenet.com