Preparing for an appointment

If you have signs and symptoms common to cyclothymia, call your doctor. After your initial appointment, your doctor may refer you to a mental health provider who can help make a diagnosis and create the right treatment plan for you.

You might want to ask a trusted family member or friend to come to your appointment, if possible. Someone close to you may provide additional insight about your condition and can help you remember what's discussed during your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Any symptoms you've been experiencing, and for how long
• Your medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions with which you've been diagnosed
• Any medications you're taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements, and their doses
• Questions to ask your doctor or mental health provider to make the most of your time together

Questions may include:

• What do you believe is causing my symptoms?
• Are there any other possible causes?
• How will you determine my diagnosis?
• What treatments are likely to be helpful in my case?
• How much do you expect my symptoms to improve with treatment?
• Will I need to be treated for the rest of my life?
• What lifestyle changes can help me manage my symptoms?
• How often should I be seen for follow-up visits?
• Am I at increased risk of other mental health problems?
• Do you have printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor or mental health provider may ask:

• How would you describe your symptoms?
• How have the people close to you described your symptoms?
• When did you or your loved ones first notice these symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been getting better or worse over time?
• If you have intense high and low periods, how long do they generally last?
• Do you also have periods where your mood feels relatively stable?
• How would you describe your mental and emotional state during high versus low periods? How would your loved ones answer this question about you?
• How would you say your choices and behaviors change during high versus low periods? How would your loved ones answer this question about you?
• Do your physical needs change during high versus low periods, such as your need for sleep, food or sex?
• How are these cycles affecting your life, including work, school and relationships?
• Have any of your close relatives had similar symptoms?
• Have you been diagnosed with any medical conditions?
• Have you been treated for other mental health disorders in the past? If yes, what type of treatment was most helpful?
• Have you ever thought about harming yourself or others?
• Do you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs? If so, how often?