Lived Experience Forum

[Essa_]

Is it possible to have Cyclothymia and an eating disorder?

I've recently been diagnosed with Cyclothymia and I don't want to take medication because they make you put on weight. The reason I care so much is because I think I have B E D and I already lose control with my eating. Some days it gets so bad that I can control what I eat and I make myself so sick. I eat when I'm not hungry and I go spend money I shouldn't on food because I can't control myself. Sometimes I hide the food and packaging from my work colleagues because it's embarrassing. This doesn't happen every day and I can go days with being fine.

I'm usually a healthy and active person and I go to the gym 5 days a week. If I didn't then I would put on weight fast from when I lose control.

Can someone please give me some advice?

[Former-Member]

Dear @Essa_

I have an eating disorder. It is a symptom of the complex PTSD I have been diagnosed with. Yes some of the medication have made me put on weight and some make me lose control - like walking passed a donut shop is IMPOSSIBLE. But overall my mental health is improving and I am trying to find balance when I need meds and when I don't. It's a tricky one, but I focus on my mental health. I have help from a nutritionist who specialises in eating disorders and we make very small changes to my diet, to control some of my blood results that have been out of whack, but there is no diet, no plan, just the gentle guidance to start being aware of what I eat and accepting that everything is ok to eat. My days, and I guess your days, can be full of so much struggle, that for me it is too much to think about more than making it through the day.

I wish you all the best on your journey and stay in touch!

[Fancy_Pants]

Hi @Essa_

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing

Your experiences sound a lot like @Former-Member and @Fish who have been chatting here 

It is definitely possible to have both, is that what your psychiatrist has said? or your intuition? although I would probably say that even if your symptoms did not meet criteria for a diagnosis if they are problematic and effecting your life they are completely worth addressing. Are you getting any support from professionals ie a counsellor or a specialist service? ie centre for eating disorders

anyone else have any ideas?

[Fish]

Hey @Essa_,

Welcome to the forums! Sounds like you've got a lot on your mind. I hope we can help.

I'm 30 and I have bipolar II, which is on the same spectrum of disorders as cyclothymia. I've never had an eating disorder per se, but I have problems with impulse control in both my hypomanic and depressive stages, which often turns into overeating or imbalanced eating. 

I'm on a combination of mood stabilisers and antidepressants. I've gone up about two sizes in the first nine months, which is probably partly from the meds, partly from overeating, and partly from being a couch potato while I've been off work. I've been eating better recently and I started a proper exercise program last month (gym and/or swim 3-4 days a week, going for a short walk on the other days). I feel much better and the scales are starting to swing back the other way. So all up, the meds alone have caused a bit of weight gain, but not much.

The meds also haven't increased my appetite. If anything, because my mood is more stable, my eating is more stable. I have more self-control and I'm better able to eat treats in moderation. My psychologist has also helped me learn to value looking after myself, so I'm more ok with cooking healthy meals for myself and holding off on some of the junk food.

So I guess my advice would be to try the meds and try whatever talk therapy your doctor suggests. The weight gain from the meds is not huge, and there's a good chance that treating your cyclothymia will also help with your concerns about food. And remember, there are lots of different of medications out there, and only some of them cause weight gain. If you start on something that's not working for you, you can always talk to your doctor about other options.

Good luck,

Fish