cyclothymia

Can anyone tell me about this disorder? what I have read is it is a mild form of bipolar disorder, mostly, reffering to episodes without phsycosis.

And can you self medicate with Abilify? I mean take it when your starting to feel manic etc but take yourself off when you feel better, or should this be avoided?

I think it is considered a milder form of bipolar. I definitely would not recommend self medicating and stopping an starting Meds. I would talk to a doc about what Meds are best and how to take them.

Cyclothymia is not something to be self medicated, like all psycological disorders. If you are looking for someone who has it and is outspoken about it in popular culture, look up Stephen Fry. He is cyclothymic and if you listen to a few of his stories it will make you understand it is nothing to be taken lightly. I of course would then recommend you see your doctor and procede from there.

Hi Concernedmom1,

I just wanted to strongly agree with the advice given to you by crazymonkey and dylantownesdrake! I have had cyclothymia since my early twenties but wasnʻt diagnosed until I turned 43!! Finding an excellent psychiatrist was/is critical for me as I cope with and manage the symptoms connected to this disorder. Itʻs a milder form of bipolar, so you can cycle between a hypomanic state and a depressed state. Emotions can be erratic, from enthusiastic and ecstatic, to irritability and rage, to apathy and lethargy. Hypomania is a glorious state to hang out in, at times... but over time you can feel so wired that youʻre going to crack. You operate on very little sleep, your appetite decreases, your mind races a mile a minute and your mouth canʻt keep up with them, at times. Your creativity can flow with ease and you feel passionate and positive about life. The flip side is the downward spiral where lifting your head to get out of bed is physically and emotionally painful. Doom and gloom surround and suffocate you and you canʻt see sunshine and rainbows anymore. Carbs and Haagen Daz can become your best friend cause youʻre looking for something to comfort you and take away that ache. You become a recluse and lose all interest in former activities that you once loved doing... Life with me was pretty tough on my husband and my step children... they werenʻt sure which "me" would greet them, happy peppy me or Eyore me, or scary PMS x 100 me... everyone walked on egg shells... little things could set me off, and big things could make me come unglued with a rage that scared even myself. It would be extremely dangerous to experiment on a medication without a trained professional prescribing the perfect med cocktail for you : ) It has literally transformed and revolutionized my life for the better : )