Cyclothymic (cycloid) - everything in the world is periodic, and so is your mood

Since elementary school, parents could not get enough of their son: capable, calm, balanced, polite, obedient. In communication - cheerful, cheerful, open. At school, I never had any problems with my studies or behavior. He was interested in chess. At home he always helped and was not rude. Even adolescence began relatively smoothly. He became more impulsive at some moments, but still kept himself under control.

But one morning he did not leave his room for breakfast. Gloomily he said that he did not want to go to school and would stay at home. His parents had never seen him so depressed and irritated. They started to find out what was going on, but he didn’t have a girlfriend, there was still a year before the exams, there were no conflicts with teachers or classmates. Every day he became more and more gloomy, did not want to talk to anyone, refused to eat or go out anywhere. A week later he was almost forcibly taken to a psychologist. With the help of testing, the reason for this behavior was identified - the cycloid (cyclothymic) type of character accentuation.

general characteristics

In psychology, a cycloid is a psychotype (accentuation of character), which is distinguished by the alternation of two phases - hyperthymia and subdepression. The first usually lasts several months (in some cases even years), the second - several days or 2-3 weeks. The duration of these periods is very individual for each person. Most often the scheme looks like this:

• 3-4 months - calm state, openness to communication and cheerfulness (hyperthymic phase);
• 2-3 weeks - depressed, gloomy state, refusal of communication and hobbies (subdepression phase).

But it also happens that a cycloid lives as hyperthym for several years, until a stressful, traumatic factor appears. This could be the death of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce, or changes in hormonal levels. All this can become an impetus for a change of phases. For some, subdepression goes away in 3 days, others remain in this state for 2-3 weeks. If you do not fight it, the development of cyclothymia is quite possible. This is a mental affective disorder characterized by frequent mood swings between depression and hyperthymia. In this case, psychotherapeutic treatment is prescribed.

The cycloid type according to Lichko corresponds to the dysthymic type according to Leonhard.

Leading features

The cycloid type of character accentuation is determined by the following leading features:

• change of mood - can be dictated by external or internal factors or completely unfounded;
• during the hyperthymic phase, mainly only positive character traits appear;
• During the period of subdepression, depressive moods up to and including suicide are observed.

Speaking in Jungian terms, a cycloid in the hyperthymic phase is a prominent representative of extroverts. He is open to the outside world and willingly communicates with everyone, makes contacts, and builds relationships. During subdepression, he changes this orientation to a polar one and becomes an introvert, all of whose thoughts are only about his inner feelings and experiences. He seems to forget about those around him and is inclined to perceive them with hostility.

Features of the central nervous system

The cyclothymic personality type is determined by the specific work of the central nervous system. It can be represented as a cycloid. This is a circle that rolls in a straight line. Each point of its radius at some moments appears at the top (and then the hyperthymic phase lasts), and at some moments at the bottom (the period of subdepression begins). Since it moves quite smoothly, the transitions are not abrupt. The speed and amplitude depend on individual characteristics - therefore, the duration of sessions is different for everyone: from several days to several years. The diagram looks like this:

• at the top point of the cycloid, the central nervous system is stable and able to cope with periodic stress that occurs in areas of the cerebral cortex;
• when the cycloid begins to move from the top to the bottom, the stress gradually accumulates;
• at the lowest point it spreads to neighboring areas, and the person falls into a depressive state;
• As the cycloid moves further, a gradual rise from bottom to top occurs again, and the central nervous system is once again able to cope with problems on its own.

In psychotherapy, taking into account the characteristics of the central nervous system in people with a cyclothymic personality type, there are special techniques that allow you to keep the cycloid for as long as possible at the top point and quickly remove it from the bottom.

Negative traits

Subdepression phase

The cycloid type of character accentuation manifests its negative features mainly in the subdepression phase. The most common of them:

• reluctance to communicate, difficulties in establishing contacts and relationships;
• inability to make a final decision due to constant doubts;
• pessimism, confidence in the hopelessness and meaninglessness of everything that happens around;
• powerlessness, weakness, confusion;
• minor memory lapses;
• hatred, irritability, disgust not only for others, but also for oneself;
• weakness to bad habits: alcohol abuse or smoking a large number of cigarettes;
• pathological overeating or, conversely, complete refusal to eat;
• increased fatigue, weakness, chronic fatigue;
• during the day - decreased performance and drowsiness, and closer to night - increased excitability and insomnia.

In this phase, a person with a cycloid type of character accentuation experiences a sharp decrease in self-esteem. He begins to torment himself with increased demands, and an old feeling of guilt for something returns from the past. This can end not only in self-destruction of the individual, but also in suicide. The fruits of creativity that were created during hyperthymia are often destroyed. Such people are capable of breaking a guitar, burning books, tearing their favorite clothes, throwing away something valuable, not going to work, without thinking about the consequences.

Hyperthymic phase

Negative features of the cycloid also appear in the hyperthymic phase:

• fast, emotional, but incomprehensible speech;
• heightened self-esteem;
• excessive familiarity: cycloids often violate the personal space of others and do not show due respect;
• tendency to shock;
• illegibility in contacts;
• constant change of interests: before subdepression they can play hockey, and after it switch to a passion for rock music;
• superficiality, frivolity;
• lack of self-reflection.

During the hyperthymic phase, people with the cycloid type of character accentuation experience excessive excitability. They are too mobile and irrepressible - not everyone around them can perceive this behavior normally, which makes socialization difficult.

Positive features

The strengths of cyclothimmic are as follows:

• constant emotional uplift, energy, and cheerfulness allow you to solve many problems during the day;
• optimism, cheerfulness;
• increased sexuality;
• uncontrollable activity, initiative;
• the ability to perform a memorable act and even a feat;
• quick adaptation to a new environment;
• comprehensive love for absolutely everyone around, goodwill, hospitality;
• constant readiness to help even a stranger, not to mention those who are dear.

Despite their superficiality and unreliability, cycloids are still loved and appreciated by many for their positivity and constant willingness to help in difficult times.

In short, the cyclothymic type of character accentuation is the change from a long phase of good mood to a short but deep depression. The changes are so striking that even family members may feel as if two different people live in one body. One is a cheerful, sociable, kind, cheerful optimist. The second is a gloomy, irritable, depressed, bilious and pessimist who strives for loneliness.

Cyclothymia - what is it?

In psychology and psychiatry, cyclothymia is sudden fluctuations in the emotional background. Typically, the root “cyclo-” indicates that the condition is recurring, wave-like, or cyclical. This is how it is: depression and depression (dysthymia) alternate with strong excitement. However, neither disorder has pronounced symptoms. They replace each other or are separated by emotional stability, which is called a period of mental well-being.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) considers cyclothymia as a separate disease. Essentially, it is an affective behavior disorder characterized by alternating periods of high and low mood.

Symptoms of cyclothymia are similar to bipolar disorder or a mild form of manic-depressive psychosis. But they don't call her that. In particular, in Germany, for moral and ethical reasons, the word “cyclothymia” refers to all disorders that have depressive or manic stages. And this does not depend on their severity.

The first signs of the disorder appear between the ages of 14 and 17, around the time of puberty. However, it is difficult to diagnose, since the behavior of adolescents is influenced by hormonal imbalance and various environmental factors.

Prevalence

According to official statistics, 0.4-4.5% of the adult population of the planet suffers from cyclothymia. But there may be more such people, because only half of the total number seeks medical help. The rest do not consider manifestations of cyclothymia and sudden mood swings to be anything serious.

Compatibility

Cycloids get along well with only two psychotypes:

• asthenoids of any type are kindred spirits who are united by one goal - to overcome all obstacles in their path;
• hyperthymic - this tandem together will save the whole world by working as volunteers and creating charitable foundations.

Absolutely not compatible with:

• epileptoids, who are irritated by frequent mood swings, and cycloids are constantly nervous because of their excessive pedantry;
• schizoids who will drive them crazy with their pretentiousness;
• hysterics, in which they are not satisfied with theatricality and posturing.

Conditional compatibility with other psychotypes.

Classification

Based primarily on adolescence. However, as practice shows, it is quite applicable to many adults with a cyclothymic type of character accentuation. It just needs more scientific research to confirm.

• Typical cycloids

Until adolescence, character accentuation does not manifest itself in any way. Then a change of phases begins, each of which lasts an average of 2-3 weeks. All the negative and positive traits characteristic of this type and described above are clearly expressed.

• Labile cycloids

The phases differ in their short duration: from 2-3 hours to 2-3 days, but not weeks, like typical ones. Character accentuations are no longer so pronounced. That is, this is not deep depression with suicidal thoughts, but some despondency with philosophical reflections on the futility of existence. Not excessive sociability, reaching the point of familiarity, but simply an elevated mood.

How to get rid of cyclothymia?

Drug treatment and psychotherapy are used. Antidepressants are the most commonly used medications to relieve depression. Psychotherapy is used to identify the essence of the problem, as well as to teach the patient how to deal with cyclothymia.

When to see a doctor?

According to statistics, 90% of patients seek help during the depressive phase. During the hypomanic phase, there are quite a few calls. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of this phase are quite pleasant and painless. They do not cause concern to the patient and are ignored.

Treatment

The standard course of treatment for the disorder is six months. The active phase of treatment averages about two weeks. The goal of doctors is to remove the patient from the cycle and normalize the psyche. Further goal: preventing relapses. At this stage, only antidepressants are used for prevention. The recommended course is six months. But most patients give it up after an average of four weeks. This increases the chances of relapse and re-treatment.

Diagnostics

Diagnosing cyclothymia is difficult. Psychiatrists say that it is important to build proper contact with the patient. Many patients deliberately hide the details of their disorder. Because of this, most mentally ill people are not diagnosed.

Complications

Cyclothymia and bipolar disorder are closely related. The diagnosis itself of cyclothymia is a weaker version of manic-depressive psychosis. With cyclothymia, suicidal thoughts may occur. They are likely if you have bipolar disorder. Cyclothymia can develop into an anxiety disorder - this is a mental disorder in which a person is constantly worried about any reason.

If you ignore the problem, cyclothymia develops into deep depression. The hypomanic phase becomes shorter, and stable periods begin to disappear. The depressive phase develops, becomes longer and more intense. Gradually, interest in life disappears. The stage of development of depressive psychosis begins.

The person withdraws into himself and refuses help. The world is losing color and attractiveness. Treatment of this phase without the intervention of doctors is impossible.

Reasons for formation

Like other accentuations, the cycloid personality type is formed from birth. But here it is important to understand what factors can provoke a phase change:

• hormonal changes: adolescence, pregnancy, menopause, hormonal therapy;
• physical and emotional overload;
• psychotraumatic situations: death of someone close, divorce, dismissal, loss of housing, serious illness;
• climate change;
• disturbances in sleep and rest patterns and others.

There are also more dangerous factors that can provoke the development of cyclothymia:

• serious neurological diseases;
• psychopathy;
• mental personality disorders that are inherited and present in one of the relatives;
• traumatic brain injuries;
• addiction;
• infections with pathologically elevated temperature and severe intoxication.

Such factors can provoke the development of a serious mental disorder that will require long-term treatment.

Symptoms of cyclothymia

How does cyclothymia manifest? Cyclothymia occurs in cycles (phases) of mood swings. There are three main phases in total:

1. Hypomanic.

2. Stable.

3. Depressed.

Each phase is characterized by its own set of signs and symptoms. The phases can be double. This is characterized by manifestations of two phases of cyclothymia simultaneously. For example, during a depressive phase, signs of a hypomanic phase may appear and vice versa.

Transitions between two phases are diluted by a stable state, which is commonly called intermissions. This is a period of stable condition for the patient, in which his mental state is stable and close to normal.

Let's move on to the diagnosis of cyclothymia, symptoms and signs of each individual phase of the disorder.

▪️Hypomanic symptoms

The hypomanic phase is characterized by a jump in physical and emotional tone. Appetite increases, there is a strong desire to act, and motivation increases sharply. Social skills improve. A person in this phase is talkative and socially active. It's practically impossible to shut him up. He gets more pleasure from sex and intimacy. There is a sleep disorder: a person in the hypomanic phase only needs a few hours to sleep and has problems falling asleep. Physical indicators increase sharply.

▪️Depressive symptoms

Cyclothymic depression is described as a phase of decline. During this period, a person suffering from cyclothymia experiences a severe decline in emotional and physical strength. There is drowsiness. A person can sleep for more than two days in a row, but it is still difficult to fall asleep. In addition to sleep disorders in the depressive phase, a person gives a negative assessment:

• the future;
• present;
• past.

Every event has a negative connotation for him. Complete lack of motivation, desires and goals. A sharp decrease in performance and physical indicators. Appetite can be either increased or decreased. Suicidal thoughts are possible. At the same time, cyclothymic mood swings are diluted by periods of a stable state.

Peculiarities

Gender

• Men

The hyperthymic phase lasts longer, and the subdepression phase is correspondingly shorter. However, the latter is much more difficult. Experiences differ in depth and seriousness. Many try to hide their depressed state: they continue to go to work, smile, and seem cheerful. In the evening they come home and lock themselves in their room, either drink or lash out at their wife and children. Their hyperthymic period is calmer and more balanced.

• Women

For cycloid women, everything is exactly the opposite. During subdepression, they become hysterical, capricious, and annoy everyone at home. This can last for weeks. But it almost never comes to despair and suicide. The period of hyperthymia is a time of unbridled emotions, fun, parties, new acquaintances, endless shopping and other entertainment events.

Age

• Children

In children up to adolescence, it is difficult to recognize the cyclothymic type of character accentuation. Each child changes 10 moods per day. They do not yet know how to hide their emotions, so they are sad after bad news and happy after good news. The only sign by which parents can recognize a little cycloid is an inexplicably bad mood coupled with physical fatigue. Such attacks at an early age are rare, but they are worth paying attention to so as not to miss the moment during the teenage crisis.

• Teenagers

The most dangerous age for the cyclothymic type. For the first time, the subdepression phase is expressed so clearly that it frightens not only the parents, but also the child himself. This is often the reason for suicide attempts. The inability to cope with one's own emotions leads to a loss of control over oneself. In such cases, adults should always be there and ready to help.

• Adults

If in adolescence cyclothymic accentuation was correctly directed towards hyperthymicity, in the absence of provoking factors, the life of adult cycloids develops quite successfully. Many people learn to live with mood swings. Relatives and friends are getting used to it. Otherwise, subdepression may become longer and deeper. The critical point is the development of cyclothymia as a mental disorder.

Cyclothymia: causes

The etiological reasons for the development of the disorder have not been fully studied to date. Among the most authoritative versions: genetic predisposition, psychodynamic theory, biological factor.

The risk of developing cyclothymia is primarily associated with a hereditary factor. There is evidence from numerous studies that those with a family history of bipolar disorder are susceptible to severe mood swings.

From the point of view of psychodynamic theory, the development of cyclothymia is facilitated by a person’s fixation on negative childhood experiences associated with an unfavorable period of growing up. Fertile ground for the development of the disease is the lack of a clear strategy for raising a child, the polarity of parents' views, and the predominance of criticism over encouragement.

Proponents of the biological version point out that people suffering from emotional instability exhibit hyperactivity of cortisol, a steroid hormone that takes an active part in the formation of the body’s stress response.

Features of communication

Since the cyclothymic type is characterized by changes in mood, this determines his communication and relationships with others. On the one hand, many people love such people for their openness, optimism, sincere desire to help and initiative. It is they who will be the first to arrive at the hospital, lend money and save the drowning man. But this is all only during the hyperthymic phase. On the other hand, during this same period they can greatly irritate others with their shockingness and excessive energy, which tires calmer and more measured psychotypes.

The situation becomes more complicated when a subdepressive period occurs. Cycloids cut off all communication and prefer loneliness. This causes breakups with near and dear people, who are not always able to understand what is happening, get offended and leave. Those who remain become victims of an unbearable mood. At such moments, it is better for people with a cyclothymic type of character accentuation not to express any criticism and not to try to direct them somewhere. Everything will be received with hostility and can provoke a series of quarrels.

In psychology, the cyclothymic type of response is a reaction to ongoing events depending on the phase. In hyperthymic times, one can expect help and support, lively participation and sincere sympathy from a person. In a subdepressive situation, everything will be exactly the opposite: the boss will not sign any papers, the subordinate will refuse to do his own work; the husband will not allow me to go to my parents, my wife will not let me go to football with friends.

On the one hand, cycloid people are quite difficult for relationships. On the other hand, if you learn to understand the change of these phases, you can completely fit into their mood. When it’s bad, leave it alone, mind your own business and wait for the “storm” to end. When it’s good, take advantage of it, solve pressing problems and enjoy the optimism and cheerfulness of this psychotype.

Examples of the cycloid type of accentuation in art are Don Quixote of La Mancha and Alice from Through the Looking Glass. These characters are sometimes optimistic and joyful, sometimes sad and touchy. Either they are ready to move mountains, or they are completely unsure of themselves. Among historical figures, one can note N.V. Gogol, who suffered from prolonged depression. It was during one of them that he burned the second volume of Dead Souls. The rest of the time he was a witty, cheerful and kind person.

Causes

It is not known for certain what causes cyclothymic disorder. Most studies in this area argue that the development of the disease is associated with a certain number of genes. This confirms the fact that cyclothymia most often affects people whose blood relatives suffered from bipolar disorder.

Cyclothymia is most often observed in adolescents. Doctors believe that this is due to the strong vulnerability of the growing body and psyche to external factors. Hormones have a special influence on the body during this period. Hormonal imbalances can cause symptoms of cyclothymia. Subsequently, one-time mood swings develop into a chronic form.

Atypical cyclothymia is also possible. Typically, the development of this disorder is not associated with external factors. The atypical form of the diagnosis can be caused by external stimuli.

The diagnosis of cyclothymia and the causes of the disease have not yet been properly studied. At the same time, modern medicine does an excellent job of treating this disease.

Condition correction

What should cycloids do to correct their behavior in order to normalize life and relationships with others? Psychologists give the following advice:

1. Keep a personal diary to analyze your condition and learn to reflect.
2. Find out what factor triggers the phase change. Try to avoid him.
3. Learn to clearly formulate your thoughts. Take a rhetoric class.
4. Finish every task.
5. Learn to control your own emotions.
6. Take responsibility for every word spoken.

If you cannot cope with the differences on your own, you will need the help of a specialized specialist. In psychotherapy, antipsychotics may be prescribed for psychomotor agitation and antidepressants during periods of decline.

A teenager with a cycloid (cyclothymic) type of character accentuation, with whose story the article began, with the help of psychotraining and with the support of his parents, was able to quickly return to the hyperthymic phase. Having received detailed instructions on how to act in the event of subdepression, they were now prepared for such a turn of events and took all necessary measures to ensure that this period ended as soon as possible. This knowledge was useful to the boy in adulthood: he never led to the development of deep depression and psychopathy, as often happens with cycloids. This is a living, clear example of how you can take control of your own character, and with it your future.

Treatment of cyclothymia

For cyclothymia, taking several groups of drugs is indicated:

1. Antidepressants. Effectively improve emotional state, help cope with depression, eliminate anxiety and improve mood.
2. Neuroleptics. Used for excessive aggressiveness and overexcitation.
3. Normotimics. Normalizes mood. Used for the prevention of psycho-emotional disorders.

Drug therapy takes at least 3 months.

Any medications can be taken only as prescribed by a doctor. They have their own indications and contraindications, as well as side effects. Therefore, their uncontrolled use can only aggravate the situation.

After consulting a doctor and in the absence of contraindications, you can turn to traditional medicine. To eliminate insomnia, as well as to calm down and get rid of anxiety, use valerian tincture. To prepare it, 50 g of root need to be poured with 250 ml of vodka and placed in a dark place to infuse. After filtering, take 10-15 ml before each meal.

Psychotherapy is recommended in combination with medication. During the session, the specialist will help the patient understand the cause of the development of cyclothymia, tune in to treatment, and find motivation for action. If a person is in the stage of depression, the doctor’s task is to prevent the emergence of addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as to protect against the commission of rash acts.

Sometimes other techniques, such as sleep deprivation, are used in the treatment of cyclothymia. The person is not allowed to sleep for several days. Thanks to this, a protective mechanism is activated, forcing all organs and systems to work more actively. The result is increased tone and improved mood.

There are a number of other tips to help cope with cyclothymia:

1. Get rid of bad habits.
2. Change your diet, add more fresh vegetables and fruits to the menu.
3. Make time for sports or, for example, yoga.
4. Walk outdoors more often.

And, of course, you need to protect yourself from stress.