Cyclothymic Disorder Research Paper

Is Cyclothymia a Disorder? People who have Cyclothymic disorder usually do not realize they may have a treatable disorder because they feel that their mood swings are associated to life’s imbalance. Many things in life can trigger mood swings making it difficult to determine if there is a mood disorder. However, an individual that has unpredictable mood swings may have Cyclothymia and should be concerned. Individuals who have this disorder go through life on an emotional rollercoaster and tolerate up and down feelings, because they believe these feelings are normal emotions. This research paper will give the definition, causes, and symptoms of Cyclothymic disorder and how it is diagnosed. I will also give examples of my own personal experience with mood swings; and interview an
The mood swings of Cyclothymia do not follow a set pattern. A person may experience the same mood swing for weeks, months, even years at a time before suddenly having the opposite mood. In addition, the severities of mood swings differ from person to person. Hypomania is a mood that many do not perceive as a problem; it actually may feel good and give an individual a greater sense of well-being and productivity. Cyclothymic disorder is diagnosed by using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). “This manual contains diagnostic criteria and text containing information about the disorder such as associated features, prevalence, familial patterns, age-culture and gender specific features and differential diagnosis. This manual is used by mental health professionals from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds in a wide range of settings” (American Psychiatric Association). According to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, the DSM manual specifies six criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of Cyclothymic