Therapists don't tell their patients what to do; they help them illuminate and explore their options.

Most people have heard of bipolar disorder, marked by periods of alternating moods, which shift from euphoric highs to debilitating lows. But few know about a less severe form of it, which is positively correlated with perfectionistic tendencies, called cyclothymic disorder. Patients with this diagnosis note an almost overwhelming desire, contributing significantly to a pattern, to "chase highs." Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by mood shifts that don't meet the criteria for hypomanic episodes (episodes that are considered less severe than manic ones) or depressive ones (usually due to their duration), yet, outside of one's baseline (normal degree of contentment), each shift encompasses some of the symptoms of each episode. It's sometimes thought that the shifts in mood happen to the individual with either of the above-mentioned disorders, but, in reality, highs are also pursued, especially to escape the lows.

The Pursuit of Success
This may entail an unrelenting pursuit of success, wherein the downswings of mood are countered with the pleasures of increased status, recognition, and even admiration. For some, there might even be a belief that, at some point, achievements will break the spell of the depressive side of this ailment. And for others, there's a sense, or better yet a fear, that if they discontinue their pursuits, the loss of hope will create an emotional black hole from which they won't be able to lift themselves, even with aid. This diagnosis,........

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