Definition Of Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder

Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is a term used to describe bipolar disorder that s marked by four or more distinct mood episodes which may alternate between mania and depression in a year.

Definition of rapid cycling bipolar disorder. This can be confusing and frightening for both the person who experiences it and for. However its conceptualization remains controversial and research concerning its treatment is still at an early stage. Definition of rapid cycling. What is clear is that rapid cycling is a transient phenomenon for most people many people with bipolar disorder will experience periods of rapid cycling at certain times but have other times when this label would not apply.

For some people rapid cycling bipolar disorder means moods that shift over the course of a week or a day not merely over the course of an entire year. These episodes tend to be short with another occurring fairly soon after hence the name rapid cycling. Rapid cycling is a symptom of bipolar disorder where these episodes of depression and mania happen at least four times a year. Rapid cycling is a form of bipolar disorder in which mood changes can happen several times throughout the year.

To be formally diagnosed these episodes need to be demarcated by either a period of remission or switch to the opposite polarity. Rapid cycling is a term used when a person with bipolar disorder experiences four or more mood swings episodes within a twelve month period. This type of bipolar disorder is more common. Rapid cycling is included in dsm iv as a course specifier for bipolar disorder bp i and ii.

This article provides a synthesis of currently available evidence.