Very short cycles? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

Steve_the_elf · 11-10-2003, 08:02 PM

Okay, since I am newly diagnosed (although I was BP since childhood), I'm kind of confused about one thing and maybe someone can answer: All the information available to me states that up and down periods are supposed to last a week or more, but I have only had one hypomanic state that lasted for a week.

Throughout most of my life I have had almost exclusively mixed states, which is why it was so hard to diagnose, but I have been developing serious up and down cycles now that I am am older. Still though, nothing lasts more than, say, two days at the most (but now it is greatly moderated with medication). Just a few days ago I had a depressive state that only last two days. It was serious enough that I could barely get up amd go to the bathroom, then the next day, I was speeding big time; couldn't concentrate and couldn't sit still. The next day I was normal again. This is usually how it goes for me. I know there are rapid cyclers, but even what I read about that seems to suggest cycles of every few weeks, not every few days. On occasion, I have gone from extremely low to extremely high and back down again all in the same day.

My exact diagnosis is BPI, thanks to the one hypomanic week, but otherwise long mixed periods and my comorbidities are ADD and GAD, if that has any effect. So, are all these short term ups and downs normal for anyone else?

VeganLady · 11-10-2003, 10:06 PM

I agree, all the articles I've seen have said cycles must last at least 2 weeks, and I think thats with rapid cycling! I was diagnosed as Bipolar II with psychotic features. Sometimes I will be manic for 3 or 4 hours and then return to normal for a few hours and then become depressed! It isn't that rare with me. Sometimes I wonder if I'm even Bipolar. I haven't heard many others say there moods change this quickly.

I couldn't tell you if the ADD or GAD would affect anything. I have OCD along with Bipolar, AND was also diagnosed with BPD, but am not sure if BP and BPD can even exist together. Ah, so who knows.

However messed up I may be, the more frequent mood changes are pretty normal with me.

cahcinderella · 11-11-2003, 12:12 AM

I haven't been diagnosed yet, but I have cycles similar to what you describe. For example I may be euphoric in the morning (which because I work 3rd shift is right before bed) then when I wake up I am extremely depressed. I've even had days where it seems like I change within like an hours time. I can't stand the constant cycles and wish I could find something that would even it out for me. Good Luck to you.

PollyPrissyPants · 11-11-2003, 08:02 AM

i often cycle several times during the day....it's exhausting to say the least....
PPP~~~

*music23* · 11-11-2003, 09:43 AM

There is something called rapid cycling bipolar disorder. It is usually found in children but can be in adults too. It can be defined in a lot of different ways, because cycles can last from a few hours to a few weeks. But it does happen. Hope that helps!

Kristina