In bipolar disorder rapid cycling is identified when four or more distinct episodes of depression, mania, or hypomania occur during a one year period. Rapid cycling bipolar disorder can be difficult to identify, because a single mood episode can sometimes simply wax and wane without resolving.
Rapid cycling feels like your mind is playing tricks on you. You are sad one minute, hyper the next, giddy, and then back to sad, teary, and wanting to hide. It's very confusing and it's scary how fast your mood can change and change and change.
Many people with bipolar disorder will experience two cycles per year, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. When someone has four or more manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes in a 12-month period, this is called rapid cycling.
Bipolar 1, or rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, involves dramatic mood swings and is very recognizable to family and loved ones. The disorder is characterized by a person having a manic episode and then shifting to hypomania (less severe symptoms), followed by a major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks.
How often do people with bipolar disorder cycle? On average, people with bipolar will have one or two cycles yearly. In addition, there is a seasonal influence—manic episodes occur more often in the spring and fall.
Symptoms of mental illness often become worse during the spring season. For patients with mood disorders, the phrase “spring fever” has a different meaning. Previous studies have reported that the incidence of mania peaks during the spring in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres [1].
Talking rapidly, sudden changes in topic, or “leaps of logic.” Having more energy than usual, especially if needing little sleep. Being intensely focused, or finding it hard to focus. Involuntary facial movements, such as twitches or mouthing.
Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling is diagnosed when a person experiences four or more episodes of mania, hypomania, or depressive episodes in any 12-month period. Rapid cycling can occur with any type of bipolar disorder, and maybe a temporary condition for some people.
They last at least two weeks but can last much longer, sometimes for months. Like manic or hypomanic episodes, they can severely disrupt your everyday life.
People living with bipolar disorder should aim to get the recommended amount of sleep for their age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends more than seven hours per night for adults. 13 However, what's most important is sticking to a consistent sleep schedule.
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
Can rapid cycling happen in a day? Some people do experience significant changes in mood, such as from a state of mania to one of depression, in a single day.
Rapid cycling bipolar may particularly resemble BPD, as mood fluctuations happen more frequently than with typical bipolar. Frequent manic episodes could also contribute to relationship difficulties, since the way a person behaves during a manic episode could have a negative impact on the people close to them.
Mood-stabilizing drugs -- such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal ), lithium (Lithobid), and valproate (Depakote)-- are the core treatments of rapid cycling.
The phrase “bipolar meltdown” could refer to a bipolar person having a manic episode or being in a depressed state. These conditions could cause them to lose control of their emotions and have trouble managing them.
Speech disruptions are probably the easiest way to recognize a manic episode. A person may be described as having a "motor mouth" and be difficult or even impossible to interrupt.
Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, typically it's diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s.
Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder) is a milder form of bipolar disorder involving frequent mood swings of hypomanic and mild depressive episodes. It's manageable with talk therapy and medication, but many people with cyclothymia don't think they need treatment.
Bipolar disorder may worsen with age or over time if the condition is left untreated. As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared.