Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionTriggersFrequencyWhat It Feels LikeTreatmentHow to Support OthersTakeaways
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Definition
Triggers
Frequency
What It Feels Like
Treatment
How to Support Others
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In the context ofbipolar disorder, a mental illness that involves extreme swings in mood, bipolar cycles are the period of time in which an individual goes through oneepisode of maniaorhypomaniaand oneepisode of depression. How long do manic episodes last when someone is cycling? What about depression episode length?
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to the duration or frequency of bipolar cycles since they are as varied as the people who experience them. A change or “mood swing” can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. Generally, a manic episode can last from seven days up to several months. Depressive episodes last from two weeks to several months and are usually longer in duration than manic episodes.
At a GlanceEach person’s experience of bipolar disorder is different. The duration of manic and depressive episodes, as well as the severity of symptoms, can vary. To be diagnosed with bipolar I, a manic episode must last for seven days or longer. To be diagnosed with bipolar II, hypomania (a less severe form of mania) must last four days or longer. Keep reading to learn more about bipolar cycles, how long a manic episode may last, and how to help someone who is cycling.
At a Glance
Each person’s experience of bipolar disorder is different. The duration of manic and depressive episodes, as well as the severity of symptoms, can vary. To be diagnosed with bipolar I, a manic episode must last for seven days or longer. To be diagnosed with bipolar II, hypomania (a less severe form of mania) must last four days or longer. Keep reading to learn more about bipolar cycles, how long a manic episode may last, and how to help someone who is cycling.
1:47Watch Now: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Triggers
1:47
Watch Now: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Triggers
What Are Bipolar Cycles?
How long these episodes last can vary. It really depends on the type of bipolar disorder you have, individual factors, and whether or not your condition is being treated. Without treatment, manic and depressive episodes will last much longer.
A bipolar episode may last an entire day, several days, or several weeks. One older study of people with bipolar I disorder found that the average mood episode was 13 weeks.Other research suggests that episodes may last longer than a year without treatment.
Hypomania is similar to mania but with milder symptoms. A person is still able to function with hypomania.
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.
Length of Manic vs. Depressive EpisodesHow long do manic episodes last compared to depressive episodes? According to a 2017 study involving 1130 patients, depressive episodes are “much longer” than manic episodes across different bipolar types, though the time spent in each can vary from one person to the next.
Length of Manic vs. Depressive Episodes
How long do manic episodes last compared to depressive episodes? According to a 2017 study involving 1130 patients, depressive episodes are “much longer” than manic episodes across different bipolar types, though the time spent in each can vary from one person to the next.
Manic Episodes
A person experiencing a manic episode will usually haveracing thoughtsand even talk very quickly about a variety of different topics in a short amount of time.
While this high energy level can feel good and make a person feel “on top of the world,” they are prone tomaking risky decisionssuch asdrinking excessively, giving away money, orhaving unsafe sex. They may also feel moreirritableor agitated.
Length of Manic EpisodesManic episodes must last at least seven days to be diagnosed with bipolar I, and hypomania must last at least four days to be diagnosed with bipolar II. Unless treated, a manic episode can last from four to 13 months.
Length of Manic Episodes
Manic episodes must last at least seven days to be diagnosed with bipolar I, and hypomania must last at least four days to be diagnosed with bipolar II. Unless treated, a manic episode can last from four to 13 months.
Depressive Episodes
Increased appetite and weight gain are common. People having depressive episodes tend to talk slowly, have troubleconcentrating, and feel incapable of completing tasks or doing anything at all.
During a depressive episode, a person usually has no interest in activities that they normally like. They are usually disinterested in sex or anything that brings them pleasure. They may experience increased thoughts about death orsuicidal ideation.
Length of Depressive EpisodesDepressive episodes usually last longer than manic episodes. One study found that the average depressive episode lasted 5.2 months, which was 50% longer than manic or hypomanic episodes.
Length of Depressive Episodes
Depressive episodes usually last longer than manic episodes. One study found that the average depressive episode lasted 5.2 months, which was 50% longer than manic or hypomanic episodes.
Mixed Episodes
A mixed episode can be considered a combination of both a manic episode and a depressive episode. A person will experience extremely high energy levels while feeling hopeless, sad, and depressed at the same time.
4 Stages of Bipolar DisorderThe type of episodes experienced are sometimes used to determine how advanced the bipolar disorder is using a staging model. According to academic psychiatrist Anne Duffy, the four stages of bipolar are:Fluctuating anxiety and sleep disordersOne single depressive episodeReoccurring major depressionBipolar cycles
4 Stages of Bipolar Disorder
The type of episodes experienced are sometimes used to determine how advanced the bipolar disorder is using a staging model. According to academic psychiatrist Anne Duffy, the four stages of bipolar are:Fluctuating anxiety and sleep disordersOne single depressive episodeReoccurring major depressionBipolar cycles
The type of episodes experienced are sometimes used to determine how advanced the bipolar disorder is using a staging model. According to academic psychiatrist Anne Duffy, the four stages of bipolar are:
Triggers of Depressive and Manic Episodes
Certain conditions are known to trigger symptoms in people with bipolar disease. Understanding these triggers—and avoiding them—can minimize symptoms and limit the number of cycles a person experiences. These include:
How Fast Can Bipolar Cycle?
In some people, bipolar cycles can occur in fairly quick succession. This is referred to as ‘rapid cycling,’ which is when someone with bipolar disorder has four or more cycles in a 12-month period.
While having four or more cycles in a one-year period meets the criteria for a diagnosis of rapid-cycling bipolar illness, rapid cycling is not necessarily a permanent pattern. Rather, rapid cycling can present at any point in the course of the disease. And it can be transient.
While about 2.5% of Americans have bipolar disorder, only about 10% to 20% of those will develop rapid cycling.
Rapid cycling may be more likely to affect those who were young when symptoms first appeared, those who have had bipolar disorder for a longer time, and those who misuse alcohol and other substances.
In addition, the term “ultra-rapid cycling” may be applied to those who cycle through episodes within a month or less. If this pattern occurs within a 24-hour period, the person’s diagnosis could possibly be termed “ultra-ultra-rapid cycling” or “ultradian.” It is often difficult to tell ultradian cycling from amixed episode.
What Bipolar Cycles Feel Like
A common feeling of people with bipolar disorder experiencing a cycle is that they are on a roller coaster. It can beexhaustingand even frightening to experience such a wide range of different emotions—especially if it’s within a short period of time.
Many people with bipolar disorder feel as though cycling makes them feel out of control. For instance, they may make decisions during a manic episode that they feel unequipped to deal with when they shift to a depressive episode.
During a manic episode, you may feel like you are truly special and powerful. Then, during a depressive episode, you may feel completely empty and like your life isn’t worth anything at all.It can be daunting to undergo such extreme emotional shifts.
Treating Bipolar Cycles
Whether a person with bipolar disorder experiences a cycle once every five years or many times each day, there are treatments that can help. These include:
The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.
How to Support a Loved One With Bipolar Cycles
You may be wondering how to best support a loved one with bipolar disorder, especially when they are cycling through depressive and manic episodes. Here are some tips.
Advocate for Them
If you are the caregiver to someone with bipolar disorder, you have the right toadvocate for them. Speak with their medical team about their cycling. Maybe you notice that their cycling symptoms are getting worse, or that there has been a change in how rapidly they cycle from one stage to another.
Make sure doctors have access to all prior medical treatments your loved one received for their bipolar disorder. Ask them what they can do differently to help your loved one.
Reach Out
If you have a friend or family member with bipolar disorder, but they don’t live with you, tryreaching out to themon a regular basis to see how they’re doing. They may not always be up for doing something together but try suggesting an activity.
Your loved one might be hesitant to say how they’re really feeling, especially if they are depressed. Let them know that they don’t have to pretend around you.
Let them know that they don’t have to mask how they’re feeling or pretend to be OK when they’re not.
Of course, respect their space if they don’t feel like talking. Don’t bombard them with texts and calls if they need time alone.
Encourage Healthy Habits
You can help encourage your loved one to lead a balanced lifestyle—one that promotes anutritious diet, adequate sleep, and limiting alcohol and substance use. For instance, suggest you both go on a walk or see a movie instead of going to a bar or a party where people might be drinking excessively.
If your loved one is misusing substances or skipping their medication, try not to chastise them for their behavior. Show them that you understand why they may be acting this way, but encourage them to make an appointment with their doctor as soon as they can.
Have Compassion
Compassioncan go a long way in supporting a friend or family member who has bipolar disorder. Understand that they are coping with a disorder and that they may have little control, at times, over things they say or do.
If they say something that upsets you, you can walk away from the situation. Try totake a few deep breathsinstead of reacting negatively or arguing with them.
But staying calm during conflict doesn’t mean you need to pretend you’re OK if they hurt your feelings or cross a line. When it’s appropriate, let them know what your expectations are and what is not acceptable around you.Establish healthy boundarieswith them.
Listen to Them
Sometimes, we all need someone who canlend a listening ear. You can’t stop your loved one from cycling in bipolar disorder, but you can listen to them when they need someone to talk to about their frustrations, anxieties, or worries.
Remind them that they can talk to you about anything. If they speak ofself-harmorsuicide and you fear that the risk of suicide is imminent, get them help right away.
If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
How to Help a Loved One Who Is Feeling Suicidal
Take Care of Yourself
It’s crucial that you take time for yourself, away from your loved one, toengage in self-care. Coping with mental illness is never easy for anyone—even for friends and family.
The following are some ways you can prioritize your own physical and mental health:
Oftentimes, caregivers or loved ones experienceguiltbecause they can’t do more to help their loved one who has bipolar disorder. Talk about this with friends, family, or a mental health professional. You can’t control your loved one’s bipolar disorder, so try not to take any blame upon yourself.
By putting yourself and your health first, you’ll be better able to handle the ups and downs that come with your loved one’s cycling, which is also better for them.
How long a depressive or manic episode lasts can vary from one person to the next. It is important to remember that without treatment, a manic or depressive episode can last for several months. Seeking help, adhering to treatment recommendations, and avoiding mood triggers can help minimize these mood episodes and improve your ability to function in your daily life.
If you or a loved one are struggling with bipolar disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with bipolar disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms in Women
12 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Laura Harold
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