Bipolar I Disorder with Rapid Cycling: A Closer Look
Imran Ghani
Receiving a Bipolar Disorder diagnosis can be scary. What does it mean for one’s personal and professional life? Will the person be able to live fully again? While this is true, getting the right diagnosis can offer a framework to properly understand oneself and also chart a recovery plan after forming a proper conception of their mental illness.
Generally speaking, bipolar disorder is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition, characterized by extreme mood swings that can drastically alter a person’s behavior, energy levels, decision-making, and ability to function. In previous posts, we have discussed the types of diagnoses; today, we will dive deeper into a particularly challenging stage where Bipolar Disorder 1 (BPD1) combines with Rapid Cycling.
The experience of rapidly cycling between hypomania, depression, and mixed states where you experience both at the same time is termed Cyclothymic Disorder. However, someone with BPD1 can experience rapid fluctuations in a cyclical, yet unpredictable, manner as well. For those dealing with rapid cycling, life can feel like a relentless rollercoaster of highs and lows. Let us explore what it means to live with BPD1 and Rapid Cycling, dive into the symptoms of bipolar 1 in adults, and discuss how one can take steps toward breaking free from this exhausting pattern.
What is Bipolar Disorder 1 with Rapid Cycling?
A person can receive the BPD1 diagnosis during or after the occurrence of at least one manic episode, which may or may not be followed by depressive episodes. Rapid Cycling refers to the presence of four or more mood episodes (mania, hypomania, or depression) within 12 months.
The combination of bipolar disorder with rapid cycling means one’s energy levels can vary from week to week or even day to day. The rapid transitions make it difficult for those affected to maintain stability in their personal, social, and professional lives. Unlike typical BPD, which can span months or even years, individuals with rapid cycling may experience abrupt and dramatic swings between emotional extremes. These shifts are not necessarily triggered by external circumstances, which makes rapid cycling both unpredictable and exhausting. This is why working with a licensed health professional is important to discuss medication options when lifestyle changes are not sufficient for regaining and maintaining balance.
Mania & Depression: The Highs and Lows That Come at a Cost
Everyone’s experience of bipolar 1 disorder with rapid cycling is unique; hence, it is difficult to make general statements about the personal experience. One person may feel a tingling euphoric sensation in their body that makes them feel social, powerful, and highly optimistic while another person may feel irritable by a flight of ideas, paranoid thoughts about some grand conspiracy, and working on several full-time projects. However, from the outside, mania has several noticeable characteristics:
- Lack of Sleep
- Racing Thoughts
- Shifting Eyes
- Rapid Speech
- Irascibility
- Hyper-Sexuality
- Impulsive Behavior
- Excessive Spending
- Thoughts of Grandeur
- Delusional Thoughts
The same can be said about the personal experience of Bipolar Depression. Each individual’s experience is different; however, there are some salient characteristics as well:
- Crying spells
- Pessimism, Indifference
- Lack of energy, Fatigue
- Excessive Sleep
- Insomnia
- Unexplained Aches and Pains
- Irritability, Anxiety, Agitation, Anger
- Feeling Worthless, Hopeless, or Guilty
- Lack of Concentration, Forgetfulness
- Lost Interest in things once enjoyed
- Withdrawal from Social Situations
- Thoughts of Death, Self-harm, or Suicide
Dealing with any one of these issues can be daunting, now imagine trying to deal with several of these severe symptoms at the same time while trying to fulfill the responsibilities of school, work, and family life!
Trying to Escape the Rapid Cycling Roller Coaster
As intimidating as it can be to try to escape the chaos of BPD1 and rapid cycling, recovery is possible. The body has a miraculous ability to heal itself; one must orient it in such a way that will (1) lessen the severity of symptoms and (2) help one completely break free from severe mood instability. Here is what to consider:
- Slow down: the body rebels against a person who is living in a state of imbalance. Reduce the number of activities in life to help convince the body it is being given space to rest and recover.
- Contact a psychiatrist immediately if one has not already to discuss if mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and other medication types are temporarily the right course of action for stabilization.
- Avoid all caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs, as these will very likely make matters worse
- Maintain a regular, daily routine – especially training the body to go to bed and wake up at the same time after 8 hours, even if one doesn’t sleep the whole time.
- Eliminate processed foods (i.e. junk foods) from one’s diet. There is a direct correlation between poor diet and poor mental health. Grab a copy of the BPH e-book to receive three meal plans for free!
- Move the body with light exercise like walking 45 minutes to an hour in the morning.
- Confide in a close friend or family member when feeling unable to bear the intensity of rapid cycling.
Conclusion
Living with Bipolar I Disorder with Rapid Cycling can be an overwhelming experience. The unpredictability of mood swings, the intensity of manic episodes, and the emotional fallout of depressive episodes create a perfect storm that can leave individuals feeling out of control. However, with the right treatment and support, it is possible to regain stability and lead a fulfilling life. Consider joining the BPH community for support.