How is it treated?

No medicines have been specifically approved for use in treating cyclothymia, butmood-stabilising medication and/or antidepressants have been used in practice and may be helpful, along with psychotherapy .

Mood stabilisers include:

  • lithium which is commonly used to treat bipolar disorder
  • anti-epileptic drugs such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine or sodium valproate

Recently, some antipsychotics such as quetiapine have also been used as mood stabilisers.

However, not allpeople with cyclothymia respond to medication.

Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) ,can be effective.CBT involves talking to a trained therapist to find ways tohelp you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. Itcan't remove your problems, butmay help you manage them in a more positive way.

Find your nearest depression support service .

It may also help to join a support group, so you can talk to others who share your experiences and problems. You can also ask your GP if there's a local group you can join.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018