Changes in mood here can happen quickly and occur over a few days or even over a few hours. If there are four mood changes within a month, it is called ultra-rapid cycling. While the phrase “rapid cycling” may make it seem that there is a regular cycle to these shifts in mood, most cycles do not follow a pattern.
Many people with bipolar disorder will experience two cycles per year, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. When someone has four or more manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes in a 12-month period, this is called rapid cycling.
These mood episodes cause symptoms that last a week or two, or sometimes longer. During an episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day. Feelings are intense and happen with changes in behavior, energy levels, or activity levels that are noticeable to others.
How often do people with bipolar disorder cycle? On average, people with bipolar will have one or two cycles yearly. In addition, there is a seasonal influence—manic episodes occur more often in the spring and fall.
You may experience symptoms of depression, plus mania or hypomania at the same time. For example, you may feel very energised and impulsive, while feeling upset or tearful. Or you may feel very agitated or irritable. You may also experience highs and lows very quickly after the other, within the same day or hour.
Their mood can change in an instant, and they won't be able to calm down or find comfort for much longer time periods. These emotions can be either major excitement followed by intense anger or depression.
Sometimes their shifts between moods happen abruptly, sometimes not. And it's important to note that people with bipolar disorder can experience periods of neutral moods between mood episodes.
Experts are careful to distinguish between the odd angry outburst and the long-simmering anger and rage of bipolar anger, sometimes lasting over several days during both manic episodes and irritated states of depression.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings. These can range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression). Episodes of mania and depression often last for several days or longer.
People with bipolar disorder may experience extreme shifts in mood, meaning that they can rapidly move from feeling depressed to having an episode of mania. The condition also affects concentration, energy, and decision making. Former names for bipolar disorder include manic-depressive illness and manic depression.
It's common for people with bipolar to worry that their problems are going to bring people down. Sometimes confiding in others can bring feelings of shame or guilt. They could be trying to keep you “out of the line of fire.” Episodes of depression and mania can take control away from the person who has bipolar.
With bipolar rage there does not necessarily need to be a trigger, it can show up without warning and is always absent of reason. It chooses chaos, it's not the individual choosing to lose control. If anything, control is something we're desperate to have and that desperation only makes our anger more chaotic.
Anyone with bipolar disorder who experiences rage or uncontrollable anger must learn how to manage the emotions that come from their condition. With treatment, they can begin to understand why they might experience rapid-onset mood swings.
No two people with bipolar disorder share the same thoughts or experiences, but there are some common thought patterns among most folks who have it. This includes cyclical thinking, manic and/or depressive episodes, suicidal ideation, and psychosis.
Understanding bipolar disorder
People experiencing mania may exhibit risky actions, outlandish demands, violent rants, and irresponsible behavior during a manic episode. It is common for family members and loved ones to feel like they are left to face repercussions once a manic phase has passed.
You can be physically aggressive. Kicking things, slamming doors, punching walls, pushing against someone a bit too hard.
Don't take comments or behavior personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do. This can include focusing on negative aspects of others. If needed, stay away from the person and avoid arguments.
Untreated, an episode of mania can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months. Depression may follow shortly after, or not appear for weeks or months. Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes.
The average age of symptom onset is 25 years old, but it can present earlier (during the teen years) or in later life (over the age of 60). Bipolar disorder can change with age but whether this change is more positive or harmful depends on a variety of factors.
The mood episodes inherent to bipolar disorder can often seem random and uncontrollable, but in reality, they may be triggered by a broad range of identifiable phenomena.
Bipolar disorder can occur at any age, although it often develops between the ages of 15 and 19. Men and women from all backgrounds are equally likely to develop bipolar disorder. The pattern of mood swings in bipolar disorder varies widely.