Cognitive behavioural therapy for cyclothymia: cognitive regulatory control as a mediator of mood change.

BACKGROUND

Regulatory control of cognition is implicated in the amplification of mood variability in cyclothymia.

AIMS: This study examined whether cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) directed at enhanced awareness and mood change could change global functioning, mood variability and regulatory control.

METHOD: Using a prospective single case experimental design, mood and cognitive control ratings were recorded every 4 hours for 51 weeks by a patient diagnosed with cyclothymia, including a 5-week baseline, a 35-week (19 session) CBT intervention period and an 11-week follow-up period.

RESULTS

Findings indicated that the patient experienced reduced mood variability and greater regulatory control, became happier and less anxious but felt less energetic. Following CBT, high energy became negatively associated with positive mood, and this change was mediated by an increase in control over thoughts.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that CBT directed at cognitive control and mindfulness skills may help in the treatment of cyclothymia.