How Do You Identify Symptoms Of Rapid-Cycling Bipolar Disorder?
Rapid-cycling Bipolar Disorder (BP) is not as easy to diagnose as regular BP I or BP II because the person appears to just have normal mood swings. There is a belief that the predominant phase of the rapid-cycling person is depression. Rapid-cycling BP, also known as Ultradian Bipolar Disorder (daily cycling), Ultrarapid Bipolar Disorder (cycling every few days) or Mixed Episode Bipolar Disorder, may be affecting someone you know. Compare the person’s mood in the morning with her mood at night. The majority of rapid-cyclers report feeling more depressed in the morning and either manic, hypomanic or euthymic (“normal” mood) in the evening. Know if the person has made threats of suicide or if you believe she has had suicidal ideations. Studies show that rapid-cyclers are less likely to attempt violent suicide; this is more common in regular BP II. Read the DSM criteria for rapid-cycling BP. See if your friend exhibits the criteria over the course of a month or so. The DSM defines “rapid”
