Introduction to the Workbook

The following is from the Introduction to The Cyclothymia Workbook: Learn How to Manage Your Mood Swings and Lead a Balanced Life.

While there have been numerous books published about mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and clinical depression, this is the first self-help workbook devoted to addressing a lesser-known form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia (pronounced sigh-klo-THIGH-me-uh). Although cyclothymia is a mild version of bipolar disorder (or "manic depression"), it is nevertheless a serious condition that can cause you devastating mood swings, bring chaos into your relationships, and sabotage your work and life aspirations. The purpose of this workbook is to help you educate yourself about this condition and learn how to manage your symptoms so you can minimize the negative impact they have on your life.

Each year, millions of American adults struggle with cyclothymia. Many do not even know they have the illness; the public is generally unaware of this condition. This is unfortunate, since unchecked cyclothymia can lead to full-blown bipolar disorder in 15 to 50 percent of those with it (American Psychiatric Association 2000). The earlier cyclothymia is detected and managed, the less it may interfere with your life in the long run. Getting an accurate diagnosis can be difficult, and several treatment options are available, so the better informed you become, the better you will be able to make good decisions about how you want to manage your symptoms.

A Road Map for the Workbook

I recommend that you proceed through this workbook in the order it is laid out for you. Each chapter builds upon material previously addressed. You will be guided through self-exploration exercises and worksheets that will help you gain a broader understanding of the various ways cyclothymia affects your life. Your efforts will lay the groundwork for building effective strategies for managing your mood swings and leading a balanced life.

In part 1 of this workbook, "All about Cyclothymia," I provide a comprehensive overview of the nature of cyclothymic disorder. In chapter 1, I begin by discussing the concept of mood disorders, bring attention to what we do not yet know about cyclothymia, and give a brief history of our understanding of this illness. I also offer short personal stories as examples of how some of us experience cyclothymia. We'll follow these people throughout the workbook to help illustrate concepts being addressed. Chapter 2 discusses suspected causes of cyclothymia, with particular attention paid to the influence of heredity and stress. You will construct your own genogram, or "family tree," to look at hereditary influences. In chapter 3, I outline the difficulties with properly diagnosing cyclothymia and differentiating this condition from other mood disorders. You will learn what you can expect from the diagnostic process if you seek an evaluation from a medical or mental health professional. I also provide diagnostic criteria with detailed explanations of symptoms in terms that are easy to understand so you can see how your symptoms compare. Chapter 4 reveals how cyclothymia can affect your life, as well as your family and friends. Cyclothymia can interfere with many aspects of life, including parenting, work, personal goals and achievements, and overall satisfaction in life. I identify complicating issues of mood disorders such as alcohol and drug use and suicide. Chapter 5 details what we know to be effective treatments for cyclothymia, including medications and counseling approaches. I also provide tips on how to get good professional help.

In part 2, "Managing Cyclothymia," I offer research-based strategies for coping with and preventing cyclothymic symptoms. From identifying patterns in your mood swings and social relationships using charts provided in chapter 6 to immersing yourself in cognitive-behavioral strategies in chapter 7, this section provides the next step in honing your tools to make them work for you. I offer practical tips for managing the highs and lows of mood swings in chapter 8. Chapter 9 addresses how to handle difficulties in relationships and the workplace, how to help others understand your illness, and how to develop a support network. The workbook culminates in chapter 10 as you put everything together and learn how to set appropriate, reachable goals for managing cyclothymia. I also offer thoughts about the challenges that lie ahead for you and encouragement for facing them.

I'd also like to let you know that I maintain the web site www.CyclothymiaWorkbook.com to provide updates to this workbook, blank copies of exercises found in the workbook, and extensive resources for those who struggle with cyclothymia. I hope you'll stop by for a visit.

Since this is a workbook, I hope you will write in the margins, make notes to yourself, pose questions, work out ideas, and respond to the exercises. It is my sincere hope that you will find this workbook helpful and that you will be able to use it well in your life.

Warmest regards,

Prentiss Price, Ph.D.