Radio 1 star Matt Edmondson opens up about rare mood disorder diagnosis

Matt Edmondson has revealed he suffers from a rare mood disorder that can leave him experiencing an extreme sense of happiness and excitement – but conversely also bouts of feeling low.

The 35-year-old radio host suffers from cyclothymia which, if untreated, can lead to bipolar disorder.

Symptoms of the mood disorder can include feeling so elated that there is a sense that you don’t need to sleep and you can feel full of energy.

However, the disorder also causes low feelings and a lack of motivation – and it is believed that between 0.4 per cent and 1 per cent of the general public might suffer from the condition.

The condition can leave the Radio 1 star feeling low – or alternatively experiencing elation (Getty Images)

Opening up about his own experiences with The Sun on Sunday, Matt said: “I need to be doing something at all times, but I have a condition called cyclothymia.

“I have these extreme episodes where I feel really productive and positive and then periods where I feel low and unmotivated – thankfully this is more rarely.

“I’m on top of it now, but it was a little confusing when I was younger. I was in my late 20s when I was diagnosed.”

The NHS states of the condition: "Cyclothymia, or cyclothymic disorder, causes mood changes – from feeling low to emotional highs.

"Cyclothymia has many similarities to bipolar disorder.

"Most people's symptoms are mild enough that they do not seek mental health treatment, or the emotional highs feel nice, so they do not realise there's anything wrong or want to seek help. This means cyclothymia often goes undiagnosed and untreated.”

The health service notes that the condition can cause mood swings that might have an affect on daily life – impacting both work and personal relationships.

While the condition can lead to developing bipolar disorder – where sufferers experience extreme mood swings.

Treatment of Cyclothymia includes medication and psychotherapy which is likely to last a lifetime – while some sufferers find their elevated or depressive moods can become more severe over time.

Further information about the disorder, treatments and how to live with the condition can be found at nhs.uk/conditions/cyclothymia