What Is Cyclical Depression? Types, Treatments, And Support
Cyclical depression is a term to describe depressive symptoms that recur periodically throughout someone’s life. It is also sometimes referred to as a recurrent depression, or bipolar III disorder, since it is a milder form of bipolar disorder. Rather than being a DSM-5 diagnosis, it is considered an umbrella term encompassing a range of mood and depressive disorders. These include cyclothymia, persistent depressive disorder (PDD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Any depressive disorder can be a severe impediment in a person’s life, and if you are an individual living with one, you may understand how challenging it can be. However, cyclical depression is treatable, and a few aspects of this condition may be beneficial to learn about if you’re experiencing it.
What is cyclical depression?
The symptoms of cyclical depression can vary due to the range of mood and depressive disorders that may have cyclical patterns. If you live with cyclical depression, you might experience periods of profound sadness followed by days with a more elevated mood and energy levels. These mood swings are less severe than bipolar disorder, which can involve hypomania or mania episodes.
An individual who has cyclical depression might have difficulty performing daily tasks during periods of depressive symptoms. They might also experience cognitive difficulties or social withdrawal. Some research indicates a connection between cyclical depression and other mental health conditions. For instance, those diagnosed with a depressive disorder may also have anxiety-related disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Cyclical depression, physical illness, and PTSD
Many individuals who have been diagnosed with PTSD also have recurrent depression. One study examined people who lived through 9/11, including residents, rescue, and recovery workers of New York City, about their mental health. Researchers concluded that many of their participants were living with PTSD with co-occurrent depression or generalized anxiety disorder.
Emotional reactions and symptoms of anxiety and depression may also accompany any diagnosis of a severe physical illness (like cancer). People diagnosed with cancer often experience symptoms related to anxiety and depression regardless of whether their treatment leads to remission or is palliative. No matter the reason for experiencing symptoms of depression alongside other physical or mental health conditions seek support from loved ones or a professional healthcare provider like a therapist.
Types of cyclical depressive disorders
According to the World Health Organization, over 280 million people live with a depressive disorder. While it can be expected for many people to experience depression symptoms after a loss or traumatic change, many people experience these symptoms on a cycle. For some, the symptoms of depression subside, only to return in episodic periods. This pattern is known as recurrent, cyclic, or cyclical depression.
Rather than being a diagnosis, cyclic depression is a broad term used to describe a range of mood and depressive disorders. These include:
Cyclothymia
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Cyclical depression is not considered the most severe type of depression, though that does not mean it isn’t serious. Below are symptoms of each depressive condition that may fall under this label.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, is a primary mood disorder categorized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) under the bipolar disorder category. Cyclothymic disorder features the following depressive and hyperarousal symptoms:
Restlessness and trouble concentrating
Low mood, irritability, and crying
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Loss of hope
Appetite changes
Low self-esteem
Social withdrawal or loneliness
Elevated mood and high energy
Impulsivity
Grandiosity
Racing thoughts
Increased sociability
Excessive physical activity
Increased speech production
While this condition is considered a type of bipolar disorder, cyclothymia has milder symptoms that may arise more regularly. The highs are not as high as bipolar disorder I or bipolar disorder II, nor are the lows as low.
However, it can be valuable to ensure symptoms are treated to prevent a worsening episode. Other challenges, such as ADHD, sleep disorders, and substance use challenges, often accompany cyclothymia.
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), previously referred to as dysthymia, is a chronic state of depression that lasts for at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents. Symptoms of persistent depressive disorder include the following:
Significant changes in weight
Loss of enjoyment of daily life
Mood changes
Fatigue
Insomnia
Low self-esteem
Poor concentration and decision making
Feelings of hopelessness
Genetics might also play a role with dysthymia, but its significance may require further study. Dysthymic disorder is also associated with other psychiatric comorbidities like anxiety, personality, and substance use disorders.
Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of cyclical depression that may be linked to a lack of natural sunlight and vitamin D. In parts of the world where the winter is harsh and the sun is not present as often, seasonal affective disorder may be more common.
Due to these inciting factors, seasonal affective disorder may have less to do with genetics and more with what part of the country or the world people live in. Sunlight boosts vitamin D, and a lack of this vitamin can cause symptoms of depression.
As the sunlight disappears and the days get shorter, you may experience challenging thoughts and symptoms of depression. Common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can include a prolonged low mood, anxiety, low energy, excessive sleeping, anger, changes in appetite, irritability, loss of motivation, dread about the future, and feelings of unfounded guilt.
The above mental health conditions may all be considered a type of cyclical depression, and they have a few symptoms in common. However, treatment for each condition can vary. Only a qualified medical professional can diagnose a depressive disorder. Contact a mental health professional for further support if you have any symptoms mentioned. You can also partake in the following coping tips.
Avoiding self-medication and substance use
People with depressive disorders like clinical depression or cyclothymia may sometimes seek to alleviate their severe symptoms via substance use. This act might be known as self-medicating.
If you use alcohol to cope, it may be helpful to note that this substance is a depressant that can cause long-term low moods. With consistent and heavy use, some people also develop alcohol use disorder (AUD), which may require treatment. A diagnosis of a substance use disorder alongside a mental illness is known as a dual diagnosis. Dual-diagnosis conditions can be more challenging to treat, but treatment is possible.
Treatment options for depressive disorders
There are many forms of treatment for depressive disorders, but the following are the most effective and widely used options.
Therapy
Various forms of therapy may be effective if you have cyclical depression. Many clients find talk therapy valuable in treating mood shifts and depressive episodes. However, some forms of treatment may differ depending on your diagnosis. For example, seasonal affective disorder is linked to a lack of sunlight. One popular treatment method is taking Vitamin D supplements in conjunction with light therapy. Consult your healthcare provider before trying a new therapy or taking new supplements.
If you aren’t sure what to address in therapy, talking about your feelings may be a relief. Your therapist can guide you through activities, interactive assignments, and guided questions if it helps you. In addition, there are over 400 therapeutic modalities that clients can try, so if one doesn’t work for you, there may be another that is effective.
Prescription medication
Many people with chronic or cyclical depressive conditions find success through prescription medications. Some people are reluctant to use medication, so consult a doctor or psychiatrist before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.
You may experience side effects that make it difficult to continue your medication. You and your doctor may try experimentation with the dosage before you find one that works best for you. When tapering up on medication, keep in communication with your provider to report any side effects or symptoms you’re experiencing. In addition, try not to quit a medication without consulting your doctor, as some medications can have dangerous side effects if you quit them without tapering off.
Counseling options
If you are experiencing symptoms of cyclical or chronic depression, reaching out to a therapist for support may be beneficial. Many people find that online therapy is an effective option for addressing symptoms of depression, as it can be attended from home on days when symptoms are challenging to cope with.
In addition, many people with depressive disorders struggle with tasks like setting up appointments and following up on phone calls. If you can relate to this difficulty, consider contacting a therapist through a platform like BetterHelp. When you contact a mental health professional online, you can choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions, depending on your needs.
If you decide that online therapy is an option you are interested in, you can start by looking at studies showcasing the effectiveness of these methods. One recent study directly compared in-person and online therapy and found online therapy equally as effective as face-to-face therapy. Other advantages included cost-effectiveness and convenience.
Takeaway
What is the cyclic pattern of depression?
The cyclic pattern of depression refers to the periodic reoccurrence of depressive symptoms throughout an individual’s life.
What is the cyclical period of depression?
Cyclical periods of depression can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a year before temporarily subsiding. Typically, symptom-free periods don’t last longer than a couple of months before they return.
What is cyclic mood disorder?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, cyclic mood disorder, or cyclothymia, is an “affective disorder characterized by emotional reactivity and affective dysregulation.”
It is a rare mood disorder associated with major depression, bipolar, and related disorders. Symptoms of cyclothymia often include emotional highs followed by extremely depressive periods. These “low” periods may include suicidal thoughts and can be extremely difficult to manage without help.
If you are experiencing these types of symptoms, seek treatment from a mental health professional right away. There are many methods rooted in clinical psychology tailored to help individuals overcome cyclic mood disorders and move forward productively in daily life.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
What is the cyclical nature of mental illness?
Mental illnesses such as depression often feature symptoms that can create a cycle of struggle. For example, rumination, or “looped” negative thoughts, can contribute to diminished emotional clarity, leading to more depressive episodes. Cases involving substance abuse and mental illness are another typical example. Research shows that people with mental disorders are often at greater risk of using substances such as drugs and alcohol to cope with mental illness, leading to further drug abuse that exacerbates the mental condition.
What are the five cycles of depression?
There is no evidence to suggest that the course of depression has five distinct cycles. However, some people compare the Kubler-Ross model of grief to depressive progression. In fact, the Kubler-Ross model features depression as one of its five stages. The stages in this model of grief are:
- Denial— This stage is often marked by emotional numbness or detachment, where an individual may minimize or deny their symptoms.
- Anger— The anger phase features frustration, anger, and irritability. People in this phase may direct their anger inwards or outwards, sometimes blaming others for their feelings.
- Bargaining— During this stage, individuals may begin to seek solutions to “fix” their grief. They may resolve to change their lifestyle or take actions that allow them to feel a semblance of control.
- Depression—Feelings of deep hopelessness and despair often emerge at this point, and key symptoms of depression are common now. Individuals may lose interest in socializing or engaging in activities, experience overwhelming sadness, and have changes in sleep or appetite habits.
- Acceptance— In this final stage of grief, individuals begin to show signs of recovery. They may seek support from others or engage in therapy to cope with the complicated feelings they have.
Can anxiety be cyclical?
Like cyclothymia symptoms, anxiety symptoms can be cyclical in nature. There are many possible reasons for this, but it’s often because of the relationship individuals have with the sources of their anxiety.
For example, if large crowds trigger an individual’s anxiety, they may avoid large crowds to avoid the anxiety. This eases symptoms as long as the individual can avoid crowds—but avoidance strategies become less effective with time. Overwhelming worry and fear can also reemerge when the individual realizes they may not have control over their exposure to crowded conditions.
Why does depression occur in cycles?
Some forms of depression, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), are cyclical according to season changes. Most types of depression, however, occur in cycles largely because of the cause-and-effect nature of its symptoms.
For example, individuals experiencing depression might feel isolated and cease to enjoy the things that once brought them happiness. This can aggravate the other symptoms of depression, creating a cycle that might be difficult to overcome.
Is it normal to have periods of depression?
It is entirely normal to feel “down in the dumps” or sad sometimes. However, if these feelings persist, such that they affect your daily life, it may indicate a more severe condition.
What is the longest period of depression?
Depression symptoms may last for just a few weeks, but when untreated, they can last for months or years.
Am I bipolar or just moody?
A slight shift in mood lasting a short time (like a few hours or a day) is normal for most people. However, people with bipolar disorder experience more intense mood swings that can last much longer.
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