It is essential to take note of how often acute episodes (manic, hypomanic, or depressive) occur. Rapid cycling is when a person with bipolar disorder experiences ≥ 4 acute episodes within a year. Medications used to treat bipolar disorder are less effective in people with rapid cycling.[1] Furthermore, antidepressants can trigger or worsen rapid cycling.[2]
References
- ^Tondo L, Hennen J, Baldessarini RJRapid-cycling bipolar disorder: effects of long-term treatments.Acta Psychiatr Scand.(2003-Jul)
- ^Bobo WVThe Diagnosis and Management of Bipolar I and II Disorders: Clinical Practice Update.Mayo Clin Proc.(2017-10)