Riding the Wave: Understanding and Treating Cyclothymia in Palm Beach
By Mark G. Agresti, MD
Life is full of ups and downs, but for some, those waves feel more like an exhausting, never-ending storm. Cyclothymia (or Cyclothymic Disorder) is often the “forgotten” mood disorder—a condition that sits on the bipolar spectrum but is frequently misunderstood or misdiagnosed as simple “moodiness” or personality quirks.
As a psychiatrist practicing in Palm Beach for over 25 years, I have seen firsthand how this condition quietly steals joy and stability from high-functioning individuals. But the good news is: it is highly treatable.
The Hidden Rollercoaster: The Case of Mindy
To understand Cyclothymia, we have to look past the textbooks and look at the person. Let me introduce you to a patient we’ll call Mindy.
Mindy, a 34-year-old interior designer, came to my office at 44 Coconut Row feeling confused and defeated. “I feel like I’m two different people,” she told me.
For weeks at a time, Mindy was the life of the party—highly creative, sleeping only four hours a night, and taking on massive renovation projects (Hypomania). She felt electric, sharp, and unstoppable. But inevitably, the crash would come. The electricity would fade into a low-hum depression. She wasn’t bedridden, but she felt empty, unmotivated, and irritable. She would ghost her friends, procrastinate on her designs, and feel a deep sense of inadequacy.
Because she never had a full-blown manic episode (like Bipolar I) and her depression wasn’t “severe” enough to hospitalize her (like Major Depression), she had slipped through the cracks. She was just told she was “temperamental.”
Mindy was suffering from Cyclothymia.
What is Cyclothymia?
Cyclothymia is a chronic mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms.
• Prevalence: It affects approximately 0.4% to 1% of the population, though many experts believe this is an underestimate because so many high-functioning people never seek help.
• The Cycle: Unlike Bipolar Disorder, the highs and lows in Cyclothymia are less extreme but can be more chronic. You might feel “up” for a few days or weeks, then “down” for days or weeks, with very few periods of “normal” mood in between.
How We Treat It
Effective treatment requires a psychiatrist who listens to the whole story, not just a checklist of symptoms. At our practice, we approached Mindy’s treatment with a comprehensive plan:
1. Stabilization: We utilized a gentle mood-stabilizing medication regimen. The goal isn’t to turn you into a “zombie,” but to narrow the gap between the highs and lows so you can live in the middle.
2. Psychotherapy: We worked on identifying triggers. For Mindy, lack of sleep and high stress were catalysts for her mood swings.
3. Lifestyle Design: We looked at her diet, sleep hygiene, and exercise—crucial factors in regulating brain chemistry.
Within three months, Mindy wasn’t “cured”—Cyclothymia is chronic—but she was managed. She kept her creativity but lost the chaos. She kept her depth of feeling but lost the despair.
Why Choose Dr. Mark Agresti?
Mental health care should not feel like a transaction. In my Palm Beach office, we pride ourselves on offering concierge-level care without the concierge fees. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you are treated like family, not a file number.
When you visit us, you might even get a special greeting from our favorite team member, Bella. My dog Bella is often around to offer a wagging tail and a bit of comfort. She’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best therapy is a calm presence and unconditional support.
If you or a loved one relates to Mindy’s story, don’t wait for the next “crash.” Stability is possible.
Call our office today.
Mark G. Agresti, MD LLC
📍 44 Coconut Row, M202, Palm Beach, FL 33480
📞 (561) 842-9550
Residents seeking Cyclothymia Treatment Palm Beach can rely on Mark G Agresti MD LLC for compassionate care. As a leading Dr. Mark Agresti Psychiatrist and Mood Disorder Specialist Florida, our office provides comprehensive Bipolar Spectrum Treatment tailored to your unique needs. We are dedicated to improving Mental Health Palm Beach and are often recognized as the Best Psychiatrist in Palm Beach for helping patients navigate complex Cyclothymic Disorder Symptoms.
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