Diseases and Conditions

Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder)

Causes

It's not known specifically what causes cyclothymia. As with many mental health disorders, research shows that it may result from a combination of:

  • Genetics, as cyclothymia tends to run in families
  • Differences in the way the brain works, such as changes in the brain's neurobiology
  • Environmental issues, such as traumatic experiences or prolonged periods of stress