Bipolar Disorder: Medical Similarities With Cyclothymic Disorder

There are several mental health diagnoses that have similar symptoms, making it very important for medical professionals to carefully explore and analyze each presenting symptom. Bipolar disorder and cyclothymic disorder are two mental health disorders that exhibit similarities in the matter they present themselves in individuals. This brief comparison aims to clarify some common confusion and display the differences and similarities in a matter that will make it easier to categorize each diagnosis appropriately.

When a medical professional is diagnosing bipolar disorder and cyclothymic disorder there will be significant common characteristics that will be explored in detail. The individual could describe behaviors include oscillating from depression to euphoria and oscillating mood swings. It is believed that both bipolar disorder and cyclothymic disorder are genetic in nature, but they are then agitated by social environments and trauma, making the true diagnosis very difficult. The diagnosis determination can usually be made by the symptoms of, or lack of, hallucinations and manic depression or mania episodes. These symptoms are only presented in individuals with bipolar disorder. However, it needs to be noted that cyclothymic disorder is commonly a precursor to bipolar disorder. Further differences can be noticed in the medication treatment. For example, a mood stabilizer can be used in both diagnoses; however it is common for a person with bipolar disorder to need additional medication such as an antidepressant or an anti psychotic to help control their symptoms.

It is important to remember that diagnosing any mental health disorder is an art as well as a science, and should be done with up most precautions to avoid a miss diagnosis. It is further important for an individual with such symptoms discussed in this article to obtain mental health evaluation as soon as possible to avoid impairment in daily functioning.