An individual living with bipolar disorder experiences manic or hypomanic episodes, and often also experiences depressive episodes in between. Rapid cycling refers to a higher frequency of mood shifts to four manic or hypomanic episodes per year; ultra-rapid cycling refers to episodes occurring within the course of weeks to several days; ultradian cycling (or ultra-ultra rapid cycling) refers to distinct, abrupt mood shifts of less than 24 hours duration.1
Ultradian Bipolar is classified under “rapid cycling bipolar disorder,” at the highest frequency of mood shifts. The conventionally recognised limit in episode duration for Ultradian Bipolar is usually considered 24 hours (i.e. a cycle duration of 48 hours).2 Due to the nature of these rapid fluctuations and oscillations in patients’ moods, Ultradian Bipolar is often misdiagnosed as borderline personality disorder (BPD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
An individual struggling with rapid cycling or ultradian bipolar disorder will likely have an increase in the other physical symptoms that come along with manic episodes and mixed episodes. The rapid mood cycling may increase one’s risk of suicide, psychosis, convulsions, intensify the depressive symptoms, or more. If you or a loved one are struggling with ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help today. At AMFM Mental Health Treatment, we provide our clients with a safe and secure location to begin your recovery journey.
Recent studies have shown that the comorbidity of other disorders with rapid cycling bipolar disorder can lead to increased physical symptoms of the mood swings. In one cohort of patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, more than 41% had at least 1 suicide attempt; any comorbidity of psychosis during depression, early life physical abuse, female sex, and the bipolar I subtype were associated with increased risk and/or the number of previous suicide attempts.3 Another study of mood episodes found that year prevalence of rapid cycling among all bipolar patients ranges between 5%-33.3%, while lifetime prevalence ranges between 25.8%-43%.
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AMFM Mental Health Treatment provides comprehensive psychiatric care, along with traditional therapeutic modalities for ultradian cycling and ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Our on-staff clinicians are equipped to design personalized treatment plans for your continued success. In combination with psychotherapy, psychiatry is handled safely, to help you or your loved one overcome mental health challenges.
In recent years, researchers have studied whether or not ketamine may be a useful pharmacological tool for treating rapid cycling bipolar disorder, specifically, due to the nature of the disorder. There was some success with levothyroxine, which could be explained by thyroid dysfunction and antithyroid antibodies that have been reported to be associated with mood disorders, and specifically with rapid cycling bipolar disorder. However, for now, the evidence is too sparse to recommend the use of ketamine for rapid cycling bipolar disorder.6
Bipolar I Disorder is considered the most severe form of Bipolar Disorder, and is diagnosed when an individual enters a manic state, characterized by an intense mood swing “up”, consisting of high-energy, uncomfortable irritability, racing thoughts and impulsivity. While Bipolar II Disorder is also characterized by manic episodes, they may be shorter or less severe, referred to as hypomania. A person struggling with Bipolar II will experience depressive episodes, while an individual struggling with Bipolar I may or may not experience depression.
In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder, according to the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) an individual must experience at least one manic episode. Episodes of mania are generally characterized by mood changes, increased energy levels, rapid talking, increased grandiosity, (an overinflated sense of self), distractibility (which may be misattributed or related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), engaging in impulsive or risky behavior, occasionally psychosis, and more.
Hypomania refers to a shorter duration of manic symptoms, with generally milder symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience at least one episode of hypomania, in addition to an episode of depression.
In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, an individual must experience both a hypomanic and a depressive episode. Depressive episodes are characterized by low moods, low energy, suicidal thoughts, or other common symptoms of depression like loss of interest, low self-esteem, fatigue, or changes in appetite.
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Therapeutic Treatment for rapid cycling bipolar disorder is always recommended, whether in combination with psychiatric care, or separately from psychiatry. While small lifestyle changes like daily physical activity, regular exercise, and stepping outside into the sunlight when possible are helpful tactics, psychotherapy is highly regarded as the most effective method of mental health care for those struggling with mental disorders.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is most commonly referred to as “talk therapy,” and is designed to help process emotions and strive for emotional regulation, as well as mood regulation. Qualified professionals offer psychological therapy to move forward with healthy ways of engaging in interpersonal relationships and alleviating physical and emotional distress.
ECT is a form of “Shock Therapy,” designed for brain stimulation, and only utilized in cases of severe depression. While ECT has historically gotten a bad reputation, when properly administered it can be a useful tool for those who cannot accept psychiatric assistance.
TMS is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat depression by stimulating certain areas of the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer.
A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Bipolar Disorder support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.
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AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders–through evidence-based therapies, support groups, mental health resources and more–including but not limited to the following:
Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide treatment options and cohesive plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.
Most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for bipolar disorder treatment.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment accepts most major insurance providers and can find out what your coverage levels would look like for one of our mental health facilities. Coverage may vary by carrier, but AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers is in-network with many major insurance providers.
If you’d like to know whether or not you are in-network at one of these mental health facilities, you can fill out the form below confidentially, or call a member of the AMFM team to speak confidentially with a member of our care team.
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Kramlinger KG, Post RM. Ultra-rapid and ultradian cycling in bipolar affective illness. Br J Psychiatry. 1996 Mar;168(3):314-23. doi: 10.1192/bjp.168.3.314. PMID: 8833685.
Gillette, H. (2023, October 24). Ultra-rapid cycling in bipolar disorder: Signs, prevalence. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/ultra-rapid-cycling-bipolar#ultra-rapid-cycling
Gao K, Tolliver BK, Kemp DE, Ganocy SJ, Bilali S, Brady KL, Findling RL, Calabrese JR. Correlates of historical suicide attempt in rapid-cycling bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional assessment. J Clin Psychiatry. 2009 Jul;70(7):1032-40. doi: 10.4088/jcp.08m04231. PMID: 19653978; PMCID: PMC3457055.
Burdick KE, Millett CE, Russo M, Et. al, The association between lithium use and neurocognitive performance in patients with bipolar disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020 Sep;45(10):1743-1749. doi: 10.1038/s41386-020-0683-2. Epub 2020 Apr 29. PMID: 32349118; PMCID: PMC7419515.
Kusumakar V. Antidepressants and antipsychotics in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63 Suppl 10:23-8. PMID: 12392350.
Bourla A, Ferreri F, Baudry T, Panizzi V, Adrien V, Mouchabac S. Rapid cycling bipolar disorder: Literature review on pharmacological treatment illustrated by a case report on ketamine. Brain Behav. 2022 Feb;12(2):e2483. doi: 10.1002/brb3.2483. Epub 2022 Jan 18. PMID: 35041295; PMCID: PMC8865164.
“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.
“What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025.
