If you have even one Major Depressive Episode or Manic or Mixed Episode within the first 2 years of the cyclothymic symptoms, it rules out Cyclothymic Disorder as a diagnosis. However, after the first two years of those symptoms, if you have a depressive/manic/mixed episode, they can diagnose Cyclothymic Disorder in addition to a Bipolar I or II Disorder, but not within the first two years. If it happens within the first two years, you would get a diagnosis of one of the Bipolar Disorders alone, rather than with the Cyclothymic Disorder (assuming your symptoms are not caused by a completely different disorder or medical condition).
Here is a diagnositc description of Cyclothymic Disorder from the DSM:
"The essential features of Cyclothymic Disorder is a chronic, fluctuating mood disturbance involving numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms, and numerous periods of depressive symptoms. The hypomanic symptoms are of insufficient number, severity, pervasiveness, or duration to meet full criteria for a Manic Episode, and the depressive symptoms are of insufficient number, severity, pervasiveness, or duration to meet full criteria for a Major Depressive Episode. During the 2-year period (1 year for children or adolescents), any symptom-free intervals last no longer than 2 months."
Hope that helped.
Also, to answer your question, I'm dxed BPII and have tried 15 different meds with no lasting success with any of them. I'm currently taking Topamax 100mg at night. That's the only med I take right now. Meds work differently for everyone, and it's especially hard to find the right med(s) when the dx is unclear. My hypomanic episodes are few and far between, the depressive episodes are the major problem right now. Can't seem to find any meds that really help them. So unfortunately I'm still searching for something helpful. The Topamax is alright, but hasn't completely evened me out regarding the depression.
Joined: 05-21-2008