Well, I'm an ultra-rapid cycler with dysphoric mania, so it's really hard to tell sometimes.

But, I would say my cycles are very fast. They last about 3-5 days usually. But, I can become mixed at any time. So, today I can be mixed, tomorrow okay, next day mixed again. I often can't tell if I cycle so fast I just don't know when I shift, or if I'm just mixed all the time. I often say "I'm more manic" or "I'm more depressed" because I have symptoms of both every day regardless.

I have what I call "Episodes." And episode is like an erruption. I just explode with emotion, I feel like I seperate from myself and part of me is watching from a distance while the rest of me just goes into rampage mode. Those are always because of being mixed. After it's over I feel physically shaken up, like someone was shaking me really hard. Episodes usually last only a few hours at most.

Also, when I'm mixed my cognitive functioning worsens quite a bit. I have thought blocking and can't remember words. I forget things instantly as they happen, lose things as soon as I put them down. I can't focus on anything but my racing thought obsession of the time. I am extremely agitated and irritable. I want to move around but also sit still, but I can pace for hours talking to myself. I have no concentration, even for things I enjoy. I can't read, everything is confusing and I get very, very frustrated. I'm more likely to have a panic attack and feel like I'm "going crazy." My ability to use logic and reality check becomes very difficult and I have much more paranoia than usual.

I hope that helps and I hope she can start feeling better soon.