Treatment
A combination of antimanic drugs, antidepressants, or psychotherapy are used to treat cyclothymic disorder. Medications used to treat this condition are called mood stabilizers.
- Lithium. Lithium has been used for years in patients with bipolar disorder, and it may also help patients with cyclothymic disorder.
- Antiseizure drugs. Valproic acid (Valproate), carbamazepine (Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are the most established antiseizure drugs. Other antiseizure drugs used for bipolar disorders include gabapentin (Neurontin), zonisamide (Zonegran), and topiramate (Topamax).
Patients may not respond to medications as strongly as do patients with bipolar disorder.
Support Groups
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Most people do not need long-term therapy.
Cyclothymic disorder may lead to full-blown bipolar disorder in some people, or it may continue as a chronic condition.
Complications
The condition can progress to bipolar disorder.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call a mental health professional if you or your child has persistent alternating periods of depression and excitement that negatively affect your work or social life.
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Cyclothymic disorder : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Cyclothymic disorder : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Cyclothymic disorder : Treatment
Review Date : 8/24/2008
Reviewed By : Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
