[tnlibrarian]

The last time I saw my psych she mentioned that she thinks I ultra rapid cycle. In one hour I can go from depressed, to angry, to crazy happy, to normal, back to one of the others.

Does that sound typical for ultra rapid cycling? What exactly is the difference between rapid cycling and ultra rapid cycling?

[faerie_moon_x]

I also have ultra rapid cycling and what you're describing sounds the same as me. I also have mixed states a lot.

Rapid cycling, from what I understand, is someone who has 2 cycles of depression and 2 of mania in a year at the least.

[tnlibrarian]

For me it's more like several episodes of mania and several episodes of depression. Not fun

Rapid is four or more times a year. Ultra Rapid is within days, and Utradian, or Ultra-Ultra Rapid is within the day. Most people use the words rapid cycling to describe within the day, but this isn't correct. Pdocs don't do a very good job educating their patients with this either. Rapid cycling can be major depression, mania, hypomania or mixed but is not specific to certain moods. I hope that helps a bit.

[Confusedinomicon]

Its funny but medication can increase rapid cycling. I dont rapid cycle. I get depressed during fall and hypo during the spring. My doc said weather plays into my stability and we adjust meds accordingly.