Bipolar disorder, sometimes still called manic depression, is a psychiatric disorder characterized by mood swings and thought disorders. People with bipolar III disorder, also called cyclothymia, have a less-severe disease than people with other bipolar syndromes. While they have mood changes alternating between hypomania and depression, they aren't subject to the suicidal lows and delusional highs seen in some types of bipolar disease and stay connected with reality, according to the National Library of Health.
Hypomania
People with cyclothymia have periods of hypomania, but don't suffer from paranoia, delusions or psychotic symptoms. Hypomania is characterized by either intense energy or periods of irritability, which can last for hours, days, months or up to two years. Symptoms of hypomania include extreme optimism, cheerfulness and self esteem, poor judgment combined with fast speech and racing thoughts, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Hypomania can also cause irritability, hostility, aggression, increased physical activity, risky behavior such as heavy spending or sexual indiscretion, and decreased ability to concentrate or increased tendency to be easily distracted. Decreased sleep requirements can also be part of hypomania.
Depression
According to the Encyclopedia of Mental Health, approximately half of all people with bipolar III disorder experience depression as their major symptom. Depressive symptoms of cyclomania, according to the Mayo Clinic, include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, low self worth, loss of interest in normal activities, loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts and chronic pain with no known cause. Fatigue and irritability can also be part of the depression of bipolar III.
Signs Required for Diagnosis
To be diagnosed according to the DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision,) requires that a number of episodes of hypomania and depression must occur over a period lasting two years, without thought disorders or psychosis. Symptom-free periods must last no more than 2 months. The disorder must cause significant problems in the patient's life, including problems involving family relations, social functioning, occupational issues and other areas of life, according to the DSM-IV-TR. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people with bipolar III can function and maintain daily activities, although often with difficulty.
