|  | Conditions Treatments | Depression

What Is Rapid Cycling Depression?

Rapid cycling depression is a specific subtype of the mood disorder called bipolar disorder or manic depression. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of emotional lows (sadness) and mania (emotional highs). In rapid cycling, these periods occur with greater frequency.

  1. Diagnostic Criteria

    • According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, rapid cycling is the occurrence of four or more periods of mania, hypomania (a less severe manic episode), and depression over the course of 12 consecutive months.

    Cause

    • The cause of rapid cycling is uncertain, as of 2009, but the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance notes theories suggesting it may be due to hypothyroidism or abnormal biological rhythms tied to day/night cycles. Another theory suggests that rapid cycling is due to hyper-sensitization to stressors.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of rapid cycling vary by the type of episode, but may include extreme changes in energy, irritability and impulsive actions. These changes can occur over the course of a day, a few days, a week or several weeks.

    Treatment

    • Treatments include prescription medications, talk therapy and involvement with support groups.

    Statistics

    • The National Institute of Mental Health notes that bipolar disorder affects an estimated 5.7 million people. Up to half of them will experience rapid cycling at some point.

Depression - Related Articles