Bipolar Disorder Symptoms How Often Do People With Bipolar Disorder Cycle? By Kimberly Read Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD on June 19, 2020 twitter linkedin Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Review Board Daniel B. Block, MD Updated on January 05, 2021 Print Verywell / Cindy Chung In the context of bipolar disorder, a mental illness that involves extreme swings in mood, a cycle is the period of time in which an individual goes through one episode of mania and one episode of depression (or hypomania and depression). Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to how often these cycles occur. The frequency and duration of bipolar cycles are as varied as the individuals who have them. A change or “mood swing” can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months. Typically, someone with bipolar disorder experiences one or two cycles a year, with manic episodes generally occurring in the spring or fall. A 2010 study of people with bipolar 1 disorder found that mood episodes lasted an average of 13 weeks. 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. 1:47 Watch Now: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Triggers Triggers in Bipolar Disease 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: Insufficient sleepAltercations with loved onesAlcohol and drug misuseCertain antidepressants and other medicationsA change in seasonsPregnancy and other hormonal conditionsGrief over the death of a friend or family memberEvents such as starting a creative project, falling in love, going on vacation, listening to loud music, menstruation, and decreased physical exercise Rapid Cycling in Bipolar Disease The phrase rapid cycling refers to four or more cycles in a 12-month period. However, while having four or more cycles in a one-year period means meeting 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 a mixed episode. Treating Bipolar Disorder Whether a person with bipolar disease experiences a cycle once every five years or many times each day, there are treatments that can help. These include: Medications, including mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressantsCognitive-behavioral therapy and other forms of psychotherapyElectroconvulsive therapy (commonly referred to as "shock therapy")Education and self-management techniquesAlternative and complementary health practices, such as meditation If you or a loved one are struggling with bipolar disorder, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Dealing with racing thoughts? Always feeling tired? Our guide offers strategies to help you or your loved one live better with bipolar disorder. Sign up for our newsletter and get it free. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Solomon DA, Leon AC, Coryell WH, et al. Longitudinal course of bipolar I disorder: Duration of mood episodes. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010;67(4):339-347. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2010.15 Lewis KS, Gordon-Smith K, Forty L, et al. Sleep loss as a trigger of mood episodes in bipolar disorder: Individual differences based on diagnostic subtype and gender. Br J Psychiatry. 2017;211(3):169-174. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.117.202259 Proudfoot J, Whitton A, Parker G, Doran J, Manicavasagar V, Delmas K. Triggers of mania and depression in young adults with bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord. 2012;143(1-3):196-202. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2012.05.052 Carvalho AF, Dimellis D, Gonda X, Vieta E, Mclntyre RS, Fountoulakis KN. Rapid cycling in bipolar disorder: A systematic review. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014;75(6):e578-586. doi:10.4088/JCP.13r08905 National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder. Updated January 2020.