Man is visiting a psychiatrist while doctor makes notes
To gain enlightenment on the condition, it's time to look past the myths to find the bipolar disorder facts.

"Rapid Cycling" Isn't so Rapid

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5. "Rapid Cycling" Isn't so Rapid

Some people have the misunderstanding that “rapid cycling” bipolar disorder means that moods are constantly fluctuating between mania and depression with several distinct episodes occurring in a day. This is not the case. Since hypomanic or manic episodes need at least 4 days and depressive episodes need at least two weeks to qualify, multiple episodes in one day are impossible. People typically have periods of highs and lows during a day regardless of bipolar disorder. Rapid cycling only means that you have four or more total episodes during a year.

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