RAPID CYCLING

Patients who experience four or more depressive, manic or hypomanic symptoms within a single year are said to rapid cycle. When you rapid cycle, manic and depressive symptoms alternate as often as several times a year, several times a month or even daily.

When you have four or more mood episodes within a single month, you’re said to ultra-rapid cycle. When mood episodes occur several times a week or several times a day, you’re said to ultra-ultra-rapid cycle.

Up to half of bipolar patients experience rapid cycling temporarily, often when their illness begins. Of the 10-12 percent of patients who rapid cycle frequently, 70-90 percent are women. This may be because of their hormonal fluctuations or because they’re more likely to be taking antidepressants.

Children also tend to rapid cycle and have less level time between each episode, as well.

Bipolar Disorder Demystified offers additional information about rapid cycling. To order copies, click here.

Click here to hear Lana speak about rapid cycling. (If your computer will not play that audio clip, try this alternate file.)