[coolibrarian]

I *may* have a Bipolar I Dx.

How rapid can rapid cycling be?

Thanks, Cool

[jaysmotogp]

Hey Cool.
I might be taking this the wrong way but are you asking us our personnal experience, or for a quotable source etc for that question?

It can be as short as just a few hours

[coolibrarian]

I made a mistake. I might have a Bipolar II DX.
I'm not looking for personal answers, per se, just answers.

[coolibrarian]

If I were to need research data, I would use my librarian skills to find it!

Originally Posted by spikes

It can be as short as just a few hours

Yep.

FYI, that's referred to as "ultradian." That's EXTREMELY uncommon, though. More commonly, the term "rapid cycling" is used when a patient has more than 4 episodes in 1 year.

And BTW, I used to be very "rapid cycling" -- not to the point of being ultradian, but still getting an episode every 2-4 weeks -- and that was because I was medication non-compliant. I'd take my meds every few days, or I'd take them for a week and then stop them for 2 weeks. So I'd literally have an episode every 2-4 weeks. I don't know if that counts as "rapid cycling" since I was inconsistent, but I wouldn't recommend going on/off meds like that if you do end up taking BP meds. Please stay on them if you get them because it is hell going through those episodes.

Finally, remember -- if meds help you in any way, shape, or form, that's all that matters. YOU want to get better and stay better. Even if you end up having something entirely different than BP, it's ok to be on BP meds if they help.

[coolibrarian]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Yep.

FYI, that's referred to as "ultradian." That's EXTREMELY uncommon, though. More commonly, the term "rapid cycling" is used when a patient has more than 4 episodes in 1 year.

And BTW, I used to be very "rapid cycling" -- not to the point of being ultradian, but still getting an episode every 2-4 weeks -- and that was because I was medication non-compliant. I'd take my meds every few days, or I'd take them for a week and then stop them for 2 weeks. So I'd literally have an episode every 2-4 weeks. I don't know if that counts as "rapid cycling" since I was inconsistent, but I wouldn't recommend going on/off meds like that if you do end up taking BP meds. Please stay on them if you get them because it is hell going through those episodes.

Finally, remember -- if meds help you in any way, shape, or form, that's all that matters. YOU want to get better and stay better. Even if you end up having something entirely different than BP, it's ok to be on BP meds if they help.

I've been on meds for years, so no problem there. Thanks for the info, though.

[MickeyCheeky]

I believe it depends on the person, coolibrarian. It can last hours, days, weeks. Just remember to take your meds and you should be fine. Sending many hugs to you

[jaysmotogp]

Originally Posted by coolibrarian

If I were to need research data, I would use my librarian skills to find it!

Lol very true.
I’ll offer my personal experience. Im BP2 and used to cycle every 3-4 days but now with meds its about every 3-4 weeks. Still rough but better than before.
Fastest i’ve ever cycled was 12hrs.

[Pookyl]

Bipolar 1, rapid cycling, mixed episodes here.
The longest I’ve gone in between episodes is 7 weeks and that’s with full medication and lifestyle compliance.
I’m hospitalised 3 - 4 times per year for 4 - 6 weeks at a time.