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Bipolar Rapid Cycling Symptoms

Bipolar mood disorder is a severe mental illness that involves extreme mood swings from depression to mania. Some people with bipolar disorder experience rapid cycling bipolar disorder, meaning that the mood swings are more frequent.

  1. Nature of Rapid Cycling Bipolar

    • According to the Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide, rapid cycling bipolar disorder involves four or more distinct episodes of back and forth mood swings in a single year.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of rapid cycling bipolar disorder are quick movements, in sometimes as little as 24 hours, from a manic state to depressed or a depressed state to manic. This is in contrast to slower, more measured progressions from one mood to another that may take months.

    Complications

    • The symptoms of rapid cycling bipolar disorder can be distressing for the sufferer, and difficult to treat. Experimentation with different combinations of medicines may be necessary to control the quick fluctuations.

    Prevention

    • Neither bipolar mood disorder nor rapid cycling bipolar can be prevented, but proper treatment can reduce the severity and frequency of both bipolar mood swings and rapid cycling mood swings.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for rapid cycling mood swings will involve medications and ruling out any underlying causes, such as thyroid problems.

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