How long do manic episodes last when someone is cycling?
What about depression episode length?
A change or “mood swing” can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Generally, a manic episode can last from seven days up to several months.
Depressive episodes last from two weeks to several months and are usually longer in duration than manic episodes.
At a Glance
Each person’s experience of bipolar disorder is different.
The duration of manic and depressive episodes, as well as the severity of symptoms, can vary.
To be diagnosed with bipolar I, a manic episode must last for seven days or longer.
Watch Now: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Triggers
What Are Bipolar Cycles?
A bipolar cycle refers to the various stages a person with bipolar disorder experiences.
In bipolar cycles, the manic or hypomanic stage is followed by a stage of depression.
How long these episodes last can vary.
Without treatment, manic and depressive episodes will last much longer.
A bipolar episode may last an entire day, several days, or several weeks.
Hypomania is similar to mania but with milder symptoms.
A person is still able to function with hypomania.
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 influencemanic episodes occur more often in the spring and fall.
Length of Manic vs. Depressive Episodes
How long do manic episodes last compared to depressive episodes?
Manic Episodes
Manic episodes are characterized by extremely high energy levels.
A person may have a decreased need for sleep and adecreased appetite.
They may also feel like they are able to multitask many things at a time.
They may also feel moreirritableor agitated.
Unless treated, a manic episode can last from four to 13 months.
Increased appetite and weight gain are common.
During a depressive episode, a person usually has no interest in activities that they normally like.
They are usually disinterested in sex or anything that brings them pleasure.
They may experience increased thoughts about death orsuicidal ideation.
Length of Depressive Episodes
Depressive episodes usually last longer than manic episodes.
Understanding these triggersand avoiding themcan minimize symptoms and limit the number of cycles a person experiences.
These include:
How Fast Can Bipolar Cycle?
In some people, bipolar cycles can occur in fairly quick succession.
Rather, rapid cycling can present at any point in the course of the disease.
And it can be transient.
It is often difficult to tell ultradian cycling from amixed episode.
Many people with bipolar disorder feel as though cycling makes them feel out of control.
During a manic episode, you may feel like you are truly special and powerful.
Here are some tips.
Speak with their medical team about their cycling.
ensure doctors have access to all prior medical treatments your loved one received for their bipolar disorder.
Ask them what they can do differently to help your loved one.
They may not always be up for doing something together but try suggesting an activity.
Your loved one might be hesitant to say how they’re really feeling, especially if they are depressed.
Let them know that they don’t have to pretend around you.
Of course, respect their space if they don’t feel like talking.
Don’t bombard them with texts and calls if they need time alone.
If they say something that upsets you, you’re free to walk away from the situation.
Try totake a few deep breathsinstead of reacting negatively or arguing with them.
Listen to Them
Sometimes, we all need someone who canlend a listening ear.
Remind them that they can talk to you about anything.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Coping with mental illness is never easy for anyoneeven for friends and family.
Talk about this with friends, family, or a mental health professional.
Takeaways
How long a depressive or manic episode lasts can vary from one person to the next.
It is important to remember that without treatment, a manic or depressive episode can last for several months.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
2021;58(Suppl 1):S24-S30.
doi:10.29399/npa.27411
National Alliance on Mental Illness.What is mania, and what does it mean to have a manic episode?
Here’s what experts say.
National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
Tondo L, Vazquez G, Baldessarini.Depression and mania in bipolar disorder.Curr Neuropharmacol.
2022;12(2):e2483.
2014;75(6):e578-586.
doi:10.4088/JCP.13r08905
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Living with someone with bipolar disorder.
