Hey, curious how this is working out for you. From what you've described, it does sound like Cyclothymia should be investigated. I really don't understand how someone could have untreated cyclothymia and NOT have a drinking or drugs problem -- I believe the incidence is about 60%, but I don't know what the other 40% are doing. Alcohol makes it worse -- harder to manage, and more likely you develop full-blown bipolar disorder. Hope you are doing well!
Curious George
Hi,
It's hard to tell. I certainly go through what I might call 'obsessive' phases where I make endless lists and various plans that I then abandon after days. I definitely experience some form of mania when drunk and I think in the time leading up to and before the drinking (I am anticipating the high). I have been this way for as long as I can remember so at this point, it is hard to tell. I just wonder about substance abuse and this sort of disorder. Does it cause it? Make it worse? Am I using alcohol to cope?
Alcoholism can be a form of self medication for bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disabilities and it can worsen them as well. The best thing to do is speak to a psychiatrist and then they can see what to do from there but as well a dual recovery group is essential as to have stability, stopping drinking alcohol is crucial. As well some issues you are explaining would be worthwhile to discuss with a talk therapist in addition to a psychiatrist.
Well drinking decreases inhibitions which means you will do things you wouldn't normally ever do when sober and each person handles their alcohol differently. It depends on you as a person. I think it's a possibility that alcohol can trigger mania in people with the potential for it. The question I guess is do you experience this "mania" while sober? Alcohol can also worsen depression at the same time.