Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 7/30/2007

Question
What is the difference between cyclothymia and rapid-cycling bipolar type II?  When I search the prognosis of both, I find that the prognosis for cyclothymia is good but that the prognosis for rapid-cycling is poor; I see little difference in the symptoms.

Answer
Hi . . .

Cyclothymia involves relatively minor mood fluctuations. The downs do not meet the criteria for major depression and the ups do not seriously interfere with the individuals life. If there are major depressions or periods of elevated mood that get in the way of functioning, one is dealing with a more serious bipolar disorder.

The borderline between cyclothymia and bipolar-II disorder is not clear and when diagnosing a patient psychiatrists may initially disagree although with observation over a period of months will generally clarify the diagnosis. While people with cyclothymia are often considered to have a milder form of bipolarity their lives are often seriously impaired by their mood disorder.

Best regards . . .
Ivan
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