Page "Bipolar disorder" Paragraph 36

Most people who meet criteria for bipolar disorder experience a number of episodes, on average 0. 4 to 0. 7 per year, lasting three to six months.

Rapid cycling, however, is a course specifier that may be applied to any of the above subtypes.

It is defined as having four or more episodes per year and is found in a significant proportion of individuals with bipolar disorder.

The definition of rapid cycling most frequently cited in the literature ( including the DSM ) is that of Dunner and Fieve: at least four major depressive, manic, hypomanic or mixed episodes are required to have occurred during a 12-month period.

Ultra-rapid ( days ) and ultra-ultra rapid or ultradian ( within a day ) cycling have also been described.