This is because bipolar disorder is a mental health condition where people shift between episodes of major depression and mania or hypomania. Euthymia describes the phases between, without either of these extremes.
Euthymic Mood in Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves both extremes of emotional highs and lows that reach levels of depression and mania.
A euthymic mood is that time between major depressive, manic, or hypomanic episodes. It does not necessarily mean that there are no symptoms of depression or mania at all, but that if symptoms are present, they are minor and below the threshold of being considered a diagnosable mood.
What It Is
Euthymic mood is the phase between bipolar episodes. Mood is a subjective emotional state. Affect describes how a person’s mood is shown through nonverbal behavior.
What It Isn’t
Euthymia does not mean a person is cured. A common misconception is that a euthymic mood among people with bipolar disorder means they no longer have the condition. This is not true.
Although there are treatments for bipolar disorder, and euthymic phases can last years, it is a lifelong condition that needs to be monitored for possible bipolar episodes.
Recognizing Periods of Euthymia
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals who treat bipolar disorders are great resources for determining phases of euthymia. It can also be helpful for people with bipolar disorder to keep a journal of thoughts, feelings, and symptoms to reflect on regularly.
Since euthymia is the phase of bipolar disorder without major depression, mania, or hypomania, it can be identified by the absence of bipolar episode symptoms—for example, the lack of bipolar symptoms such as too little or too much sleep, fatigue or excessive energy, or a mood that is either depressed or abnormally upbeat.
What You Can Do
Staying on medications, even during phases of euthymic mood, is important to prevent bipolar episodes. It can also be helpful to keep track of mood fluctuations and triggers during all phases of the illness to determine patterns that could aid in symptom management.
Additionally, coping strategies such as physical activity can help prevent bipolar episodes and make euthymia last longer.
Mood Changes From Co-Occurring Conditions
People with bipolar disorder often suffer from anxiety disorders as well, which may make it more difficult to treat bipolar disorder.
Alcohol and drug overuse are also common among people with bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drugs can trigger bipolar episodes.
Other conditions that may occur with bipolar disorder include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders, and physical health problems.
Anxiety
Nearly half of people with bipolar disorder are diagnosed with anxiety disorder as well.
While anxiety is a feeling that anyone can experience, an anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that involves excessive and persistent fear, worry, or excessive apprehension, such as general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.
These conditions may complicate treatment for bipolar disorder.
Anhedonia
Anhedonia is something that can happen in depression. It is when a person is unable to feel pleasure. Anhedonia is experienced by more than half of people with bipolar disorder when they are in a depressive episode.
Medical Understanding
Even though someone who has bipolar disorder is euthymic, they may still struggle with anxiety, apprehension, or intense fear of the next bipolar episode. This means that a euthymic mood cannot be the end goal for people with bipolar disorder, but that their overall well-being must be considered as well.
Well-Being Therapy for Bipolar Patients
Even though bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, there is hope. Experts are continually working on bipolar management. Treatment doesn’t stop if a patient is in a euthymic state.
There are many things that can be done to help manage bipolar disorder in addition to medication. These options include:
Eating a well-balanced diet Exercising regularly Following a routine Remaining consistent with medications and medical appointments Journaling and tracking mood and symptoms Managing stress Not using alcohol or drugs Leaning on social networks and professionals for support
Techniques such as well-being therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy have also been found effective in managing bipolar disorder.
Summary
Among people with bipolar disorder, euthymia is an episode of doing well between episodes of major depression, mania, or hypomania. The details of these phases depend on the person. They could be frequent or rare, and could be short or last years. Even during times of euthymic mood, it is important to keep up with bipolar disorder treatment plans.
A Word From Verywell
A euthymic mood may bring a mix of emotions for those who experience the extremes of mania and depression, as there may be fear of the next bipolar episode.
If you are in a euthymic mood between bipolar episodes, you may be interested in talking with someone about what you are experiencing. Support is available. Reach out to your mental health professional.
You may also feel you no longer need support because you are doing well. It is still important to receive care to prepare for or prevent future bipolar episodes. If you think you may have bipolar disorder but have not yet been diagnosed, it is important to seek care, even in times of euthymia.
