Rapid cycling is a form of bipolar disorder characterized by frequent mood swings.
It is diagnosed when a person withbipolar disorderexperiences four or more mood episodes within a twelve-month period.
An episode may consist ofdepression,mania, orhypomania.
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Some people withbipolar disorderwill alternate between manic and depressive episodes once or twice a year.
Others may only experience this once every few years.
Rapid cycling is considered one of the more severe form of bipolar disorder.
The condition can seriously impair ability to function as well as quality of life.
There is usually no set pattern as to when an episode might occur and what form it may take.
Rapid cycling is not a diagnosis, but a description or specifier of the course of the illness.
Similarly, the symptoms of rapid cycling are no different than any other form of bipolar disorder.
Only the speed by which they alternate is different.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Rapid cycling will almost certainly undermine quality of life.
But certain medications may be helpful.
These drugs may actually increase the speed at which cycles occur.
Lithium is a first-line treatment.
Depakote (valproate), Lamictal (lamotrigine), or Tegretol (carbamazepine) are other options.
Mood stabilizers may be prescribed indefinitely to prevent future episodes.
If antidepressants have been used, they would be stopped as soon as the depressive episode is resolved.
2009;117(1-2):74-8. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2008.12/005
