Cyclothymia Support Group

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the group and have the condition of Cyclothymia. I haven't been officially diagnosed yet. But it seems to correspond and has been suggested. I showed symptoms about 4 months ago while running. Had a small panic attack but it didn't feel small to me. I saw my doctor and was put on antidepressants for depression. These meds totally changed my personality and made me feel irritable. I then saw a psychologist and explained that there was a pattern of OCD in my family. It seemed to fit so he started treating me for OCD tendencies with talk therapy. It really helped. Then I saw a psychiatrist who said he thought I was bipolar 2 and then changed his opinion to Cyclothymia because I would cycle so quickly. Twice once in his office in less than an hour. Anyway, sorry for the boring details. But Roy suggested I introduce myself to the group. All advice and discussions are welcomed. I'm still trying to understand what I have and how to deal with it. Thanks. (Mark)

Hi Mark,

What types of tests did they do to attempt a diagnosis?

I'm curious because I was diagnosed based on family history and a 1-hour session with a psychologist.

I've since learned there are several written/multiple choice tests that can be taken to assist in diagnosing.

Sue

Hi guys, I'm really impressed that you got diagnosed in one hour smg. In my case it took like 5 sessions in one year till my psiquiatrist diagnosed me definitely. I think it's a serious matter to tell someone that he/she has cyclothimia or a bipolar disorder in such little time. I also have a family story of cyclothimia and bipolar disorder and started with my mood swings 5 years ago. I think that to face the condition you first need to be sure it is cyclothimia and not something else becuase the treatment is different. For example antidepressants will make you maniac or hipomaniac if you are bipolar or have cyclothimia like a side effect but will help you if it is depression. So the first thing I would do is ask my doctor for more sessions and don't hurry on a diagnoses but just work on your problem and find the real condition behind your symptoms. If not you will be bouncing between one condition and another. Hope it helps you, GREC.

I had 2 one hour sessions with a top psychiatrist. At first, I told him that I thought I was OCD. There's a strong history of OCD in my family and I'd been working with a psychologist already for about 2 months dealing with the symptoms. The psychiatrist is a leading expert in OCD and said during our second visit that he didn't think I had hit. He said it looks like Bipolar 2. Then changed later in the meeting to Cyclothymia. He said I cycled twice during out meeting. So, my diagnosis isn't official and I'm still on drugs for OCD. I'm weening off of them and hope to get the right meds this Wednesday. I'll keep you updated on what they say. But it's not easy to diagnose in a couple of conversations although these guys do see a lot of patients. And many times, you ha co-morbid conditions which is a combination of disorders. My symptoms started 4 months ago with a major flashback. But as I work through all of it in therapy, I realized I've had this condition at least in a mild form for many years. I just found ways to cope and hide it then. I hit the wall 4 months ago. More later. Thanks. Mark

Hey MAT pascience then, you definitely are on a good path. I hope it all turns well. I really identify with what you said becuase I have it since I was 20 years old but I just coped with it and as you said "hid" it. Then finally I decided to go to the doctor because I felt my condition was something more important than I thought. I hope everything turns well. Keep in touch, Grec

Thanks. I hid it because I didn't really everyone didn't feel this way. I had no idea I had some sort of condition until it put me on my knees one day. I'll keep you updated. Maybe something I learn will be helpful to the group. Best, Mark

Glad that you are now on your way. Keep us informed.

Hello Everyone,

Just an update. Last night I started on a new medication called trileptal. I dropped back to 100 mg on LuVox in combination with 150 mg of trileptal for the next 4 days. Then I'll bump up to 300 mg of trileptal after the 4 days and quickly go off the LuVox all together. I still use a minor amount of Xanas, under 1.5 mg at most. I felt good all night and this morning. So, I'm optimistic that trileptal may be the right medicine for my Cyclothymia. I'll keep you updated. Thanks

Hi Mark,

The Trileptal was a good one for my husband for a long time. Cyclothymia is one of his diagnosis because of how fast he cycles. Before the meds, he was always so edgy, had to do something all the time. He works so fast his employees think he's superhuman. He can unload a freight truck full of 5000lbs of product faster that anyone in the state. He doesn't even seem to notice the physical pain or bruising after.

His mind would race so fast I never could keep up with the conversations. The medicine helped him. In fact things changed so much we started to forget what it used to be like. One day he forgot his pills and when we woke up the next day it was like rediscovering my old friend. He cried, yelled, apologized, snuggled, asked if we could make pancakes, and then just left the house to go on a 13 mile run. The whole day went like that until we realized he'd forgotten the pills. Now he takes lamictal and seroquelXR.

I'm glad for you to be exploring your diagnosis and options. Good luck with everything you have going on.

Awaca