Cyclothymia is a chronic mood disorder that is milder in nature than bipolar disorder. To be more specific, while bipolar disorder is characterized by manic moods alternating with major depressive moods, cyclothymia is characterized by mildly manic and mildly depressive mood swings. The manic moods of cyclothymia are often characterized by very high self-confidence and seemingly limitless energy; Depressive moods often cause patients to feel sad, unworthy, uneven, and exhausted. In order to receive a diagnosis of cyclothymia, the patient must exhibit (for at least two years) mood swings clearly perceptible to others, ranging from manic (very excited, ambitious, highly motivated, with incredibly high self-esteem and easily distracted) to depressed (very sad, overwhelmed and possibly suicidal). However, these symptoms should not be classifiable as full-blown (hypo)mania or major depression (which are much more severe). Patients stop experiencing cyclothymia if their mood is classified as hypomanic or major depressive. These mood episodes should also not disappear for more than two months at a time. There should also be no psychotic (disconnected from reality) symptoms. Finally, the symptoms must significantly interfere with the patients' lives in order to reach a diagnosis of cyclothymia. In my opinion, Edna Pontellier from Kate Chopin's 1899 novel The Awakening is cyclothymic. Although the novel only takes place over the course of a year, we can assume that Edna's symptoms have been occurring for more than two years because they were allegedly caused by a visit to her friend, Adèle Ratignolle, a fan of the notion of women's liberation. . and a friend of Edna's for years. T...... middle of paper ......sleep problems, patients may be prescribed anti-anxiety medications. As a last resort, doctors may use antidepressants in combination with mood stabilizers, as exclusive use of antidepressants could potentially worsen manic moods. The therapy is also commonly used to treat cyclothymia. One suggested treatment method specifically related to the theory that the BAS is responsible for cyclothymia is for a therapist to teach the patient to be realistic. In this scenario, the goal is for the patient to recognize that even though they are in a manic mood, they are setting incredibly high goals, which increases the risk of failure. Also during these sessions, patients learn to focus less on achieving the big goal and to think in terms other than the goals. Patients who learn these therapeutic practices are considered less likely to have cyclothymic mood swings..