[Theresa1991]

My pdoc said that I appear to be cyclothymic in the end.

For those who don't know what it is: It is a softer form of bipolar, because the highs don't meet the criteria for mania (you get hypomania like in bipolar II) and the lows don't meet the criteria for major depression (but for light depression). That is why it has nothing to do with borderline, but you can have both at once.

That makes pretty much sense in my head even though I was wondering if my depressive episodes really never met the criteria for a major depressive episode.

Anyway I am happy to be more or less diagnosed at last and that my feelings about something bipolar in me have been have been correct.

Now I have a few questions. Even though my symptoms with cylothymia might not be as strong as with bipolar II I am often suffering from them a lot and they keep me from living up to my potential. The p said that medication with this disease is not necessary but actually I would like to try to see if they can balance me because with cyclothymia you never have symptom free episodes for more than two months (fits me perfectly) and it makes me go insane. Does anyone here know about medication and cyclothymia?

Second, is it true that cyclothymia turns into bipolar over the years? I can see the symptoms getting stronger and clearer but is this a must-be?

[Theresa1991]

Noone? It would really be great to share experiences. Only difference to bipolar II is the level of depression.

[Moose72]

I do a search here. Find out if others have posted about it. I have bipolar 1 so I'm afraid I can't answer your questions.

[bioChE]

Yes cyclothymia can progress to BP over the years. Medication can be useful in treating it, but that's a decision for your doc to make.

[*Laurie*]

There is no single answer to your question. Some people with cyclothymia might develop a more intense bipolar, some never will. Basically, I think you need to treat the symptoms you have now. I agree with your intuition about giving medication a try.

[Moose72]

https://forums.psychcentral.com/sear...archid=7720279

[Theresa1991]

Thank you all!

[still_crazy]

heavy-handed antidepressant use might result in Bipolar in some people who might have not otherwise developed the disorder. Be careful with antipsychotics/tranquilizers. Stimulants are probably not the best idea.