Bipolar disorder affects tens of millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by severe mood swings, which can impact energy levels, activity, and concentration. Rapid cycling bipolar disorder occurs when a person experiences multiple manic or depressive episodes within a year. Fortunately, it is treatable through behavioral therapy treatment programs and medication.
Types of Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorders can include episodes of mania and depression. Manic episodes are characterized by periods of extreme elation, and depressive episodes include symptoms of severe sadness and a loss of hope.
General symptoms of bipolar disorders include:
- Manic episodes – Feeling very happy, excited, or overactive, having an inflated sense of self-worth, talking quickly and rapidly, and having trouble concentrating and being easily distracted.
- Depressive episodes – Feeling very sad, hopeless, worthless, and lonely, or isolating yourself from friends and family. People may feel fatigued, experience hyposomnia, and have a poor appetite.
A person can experience either manic or depressive episodes or both, depending on the type of disorder. Here is a breakdown of the various types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I – This type is described as having hypomanic episodes that can last for at least a week and can have major depressive episodes that last for a minimum of two weeks or more.
- Bipolar II – This type includes depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less severe than manic episodes. Major depressive episodes can precede or follow a manic episode.
- Cyclothymic disorder – Hypomanic and depressive symptoms are less severe than bipolar I and II. Symptoms typically last for at least two years in adults and one year for children and teenagers.
- Rapid cycling disorder – This type occurs when you experience four or more depressive, manic/hypomanic, or mixed episodes within a year. These episodes can last for weeks to months, with a few weeks between each episode.
What Is Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder?
Rapid cycling bipolar disorder is a more severe type in which a person experiences manic or hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes repeatedly within a year. These episodes can occur at any point and last for several years at a time. Anyone with bipolar disorder can experience rapid cycling bipolar disorder, with women and those with bipolar II disorder at more risk.
A manic episode is when a person experiences a period of extremely high spirits for at least a week or more. They will act highly energetic or irritable and possess more energy than usual. They will also experience at least three of the following changes in behavior:
- A decreased need for sleep
- Increased or faster speech
- Uncontrollable racing thoughts
- Easily distractable
- Increased activity
- An increase in risky or impulsive behavior
Depressive episodes can last for at least two weeks or more and can cause feelings of sadness or despair. Other symptoms people can experience include:
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Fatigue
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Insomnia/hyposomnia
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Treating rapid cycling bipolar disorder is possible through an accredited bipolar disorder treatment program. Behavioral therapy, along with medication, can help you develop healthy coping skills for managing future symptoms and triggers.
Enroll in Our Bipolar Disorder Treatment Program Today at The Ranch
The Ranch is here to help Tennessee residents who are struggling with rapid cycling bipolar disorder and other types of bipolar disorders.
If you would like to talk about our bipolar disorder treatment program and how it can help, fill out our online form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation.
