Cyclothymia, when left untreated, can indeed result in a profound impact on an individual’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. This mood disorder manifests itself in a variety of ways, including prolonged feelings of sadness, an apparent loss of interest or pleasure in activities once cherished, or an overly excited state that feels out of sync with the individual’s current circumstances.
What can be particularly debilitating about cyclothymia is the unpredictability of these mood swings. Individuals may find themselves unable to anticipate shifts in their emotions, leading to feelings of unease and unpredictability.
Moreover, untreated cyclothymia can potentially act as a precursor to more severe mood disorders, such as full-blown bipolar disorder. In extreme cases, untreated cyclothymia may trigger harmful behaviors, including self-harm or suicidal thoughts.