What is the difference between a mixed episode and rapid cycling??
A mixed episode is a mood state in which an individual shows some symptoms characteristic of mania together with other symptoms found in depression, such as depressed mood, inability to experience pleasure, guilt, suicidal thinking or anxiety. For example, an individual may have the racing thoughts characteristic of mania, but the content of the racing thoughts may be related to themes of guilt, pessimism, or suicide. The presence of a history of past suicide attempts and substance abuse increases the likelihood that someone in a mixed state will experience suicidal ideation. People with mixed states are at increased risk for substance abuse and suicide attempts when compared to people with purely manic episodes. It has been estimated that over a lifetime, 40 percent of individuals with bipolar disorder will experience a mixed episode. Rapid cycling is a form of bipolar disorder in which there are four or more distinct episodes within a 12-month period. The episodes must either be sepa
