Cyclothymic Disorders
Cyclothymic disorders cause ups and downs similar to a bipolar disorder; however, the ups and downs are not as extreme. During the high phase of this disorder, patients may experience euphoria, inflated self-esteem, aggressive behavior, agitation, risky behavior and racing thoughts. During the lows of this disorder, patients may experience suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, fatigue, hopelessness and loss of interest.
Dysthymic Disorders
Dysthymic disorder is a chronic form of depression; however, it is not as severe as clinical depression. During episodes of dysthymia, patients may experience sadness, fatigue, hopelessness, irritability, poor appetite and feelings of guilt. In children, symptoms can include poor social skills, low self-esteem, poor educational performance, ADHD and learning and developmental disorders in addition to the symptoms listed above.
Bipolar Disorders
Many people call bipolar disorder a manic-depressive disorder because it is associated with intense mood swings. Patient’s mood swings can occur a couple of times each year or they can happen several times each day. Additionally, some patients may experience depression and mania at the same time. Symptoms of bipolar disorders are similar to cyclothymic disorders; however, the symptoms are more intense.
Clinical Depression
Clinical depression affects how patients think, feel and interact with others. Many sufferers have trouble doing day to day tasks and may think life is not worth living. Clinical depression is much more than a few days of feeling sad. Patients suffering with depression may feel an emptiness that cannot be filled, experience appetite changes, have thoughts of suicide, suffer with physical pain and can no longer find pleasure in activities that they once enjoyed.