Intermediate
Technical
IVT
rapid cycling
A pattern of bipolar disorder characterized by four or more mood episodes within a 12-month period.
Full Definition
Rapid cycling is a course specifier for bipolar disorder defined as the occurrence of four or more mood episodes (depression, mania, or hypomania) within a 12-month period, with episodes separated by either partial or full remission for at least two months, or by switching to an episode of opposite polarity. This pattern affects approximately 10-20% of bipolar patients and is associated with poorer prognosis, increased suicide risk, and greater treatment resistance. Women are more likely to experience rapid cycling than men.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective; requires specific documentation of episode frequency.
In Context
- "The patient's rapid cycling pattern made mood stabilization particularly challenging." — treatment planning note
- "Rapid cycling emerged after antidepressant monotherapy was initiated without a mood stabilizer." — case review
Also known as
rapid-cycling bipolar disorder
Contrasted with
stable mood pattern
Don't confuse with
mixed episodes
ultradian cycling
seasonal pattern