How Long Does Rapid Cycling Last? Switching vs Cycling

Bipolar disorder is considered to be in a rapid cycling state if you have more than four episodes of either depression or mania in one year.
One study showed that 80% of people experienced a resolution of their rapid cycling within two years. Rapid cycling is often triggered by something such as medication or a medical illness. So if you are cycling, you and your doctor need to look to see if you can find something that may be aggravating your stability. astly Polarity switching is another sign of instability and may call for more aggressive medication management like maybe needing to be on more than one mood stabilizer.
☀ Get your copy of Bipolar Basics Guide on Amazon www.amazon.com...
Reference
Schneck CD. Treatment of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2006;67 Suppl 11:22-7. PMID: 17029493.
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Want to know more about mental health and self-improvement? On this channel I discuss topics such as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), relationships and personal development/self-improvement. I upload weekly. If you don’t want to miss a video, click here to subscribe. goo.gl/DFfT33
Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[@rosaliakasolo2315]

This is the best doctor ever, period.

[@adriennebrailsford6291]

I just appreciate her so much. Like, how is it that I feel so seen, heard and understood without having been in her physical presence. Her work gives the light that I’d imagine many need. Being in a dark space and being/ feeling alone for a very long time/always makes the future feel hopeless and demolishes faith in self, others and the world around you; Life is then simply a waiting room for death, the only thing we know will happen. Someone who has tools, can demonstrate how to use them, and provides a good balance of realistic expectations, the need to adjust matched with assuring that things will get better.

[@rosaliakasolo2315]

@@adriennebrailsford6291I really love what you wrote and that makes me love you🤗🤗.... Take care Adrienne and if you ever find yourself going through some difficult in life don't be scared, feel ashamed or whatsoever just seek help and get better. Remember that we are all fighting the same enemy, which is going through some challenges in life. With Covid 19 that hit the Global so hard we are all now need to take care of our mental health more than ever. stay safe Adrienne.

[@Henna261]

Period. She explains everything so well. I am in school and these videos help me out a lot to break things down.

[@juliawilliams8061]

Agree

[@KeepHealingSis]

Period!! For so many reasons.

[@MichaelHplus]

I feel like we need a Surgeon General-type position for mental health in the U.S., and that Dr. Marks should have the role. Maybe there is such a position and it’s just not that visible, and if so, it should be a more visible role with accessible videos like the kind that Dr. Marks makes.

[@andreakoroknai1071]

agreed, we definitely could do with a mental health surgeon general in every country, for example where I live, mental health is not super accessible, I personally spend a small fortune on it, but even so, I consider myself lucky that I can afford it, and it is also quite misunderstood in many circles, people don't understand that it's not "for people who are crazy" and the state really does nothing to educate the public about mental health, it should be just like the coronavirus, that there is public info and campaigns about it.

[@edelweissdebergbaldrian7696]

@@andreakoroknai1071 The concern for me would be a psychiatrist who dosen't have concern for all r∆ces and walks of life at heart. Recently, there was a ps¥chiatrist speaking at ¥ale: about her h~tred for a certain rac€ and they should be blanked in the πead. Sickening behavior mental health professional...

[@pagehardy4767]

I have learned so much since I subscribed to her channel. She is therapeutic.

[@adriennebrailsford6291]

@@edelweissdebergbaldrian7696 that in and of it self needs to be eradicated in all high level positions. We are finally beginning to come to terms with the ways in which racism and its effects have been built into nearly every aspect of life and living in United States. So hopefully these initiatives can happen concurrently, the extraction of systemic racism as well as the inclusion of high level mental health care practitioners who help us as a whole connect to our individual mental well being.

[@edelweissdebergbaldrian7696]

@@adriennebrailsford6291 Well said!

[@rickgreen522]

Love your shows. I am 74years old, my cycle is 2.5 weeks with switching particularly when I am stressed .my mania is decreasing but still continue to have suicidal thoughts. Still hanging in there. God bless you and your good work. PS Hi from Australia l

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Hi Rick. Boy that really is a short cycle. Keep hanging in there though. I hope it stretches out at some point soon.

[@seafossil2221]

"Feeling good can be mistaken for mania if you have been in a depressed state for a long period of time." I feel called out right now lol. I am scared of feeling happy because if I worry about it I end up being ok but if I brush it off and ignore it my partner will find me at 3am again flipping furniture over and cleaning only the feet of chairs, tables, outside bottom of the trash can, etc because I don't remember the last time that part of the table was cleaned. I have gotten to the point where its easier to manage the urge to take the things I'm really attached to and give away to people I like because pairing them together makes them extra special (makes no sense when I'm not manic) It definitely shows you who your true friends are. I have a bunch of things I've crocheted for this exact reason just incase the urge becomes too overwhelming.

[@JadeDRail]

Luckily last year I showed up at my psychiatrist's during a hypomanic episode and that's how I got diagnosed. Usually I was too shy to even say 2 words to him and I was talking his ears off!

[@Buster-im5so]

The more I listen to Dr. Tracey, the more I realize that I need someone to treat me for depression. I retired this year because of it. I'm 64 and been through years of therapy without change.

[@lyricjackson8301]

I will be buying your bipolar basics book as soon as it releases I’m SO grateful for this thank you so much for this, you are such a light..

[@amelie4524]

Love these videos! They’re so needed ❤️

[@DrTraceyMarks]

So glad. Thanks for watching 😊

[@catalystcomet]

Please, it would mean so much to so many of us if you could make a video of what it's like to have both ADHD and bipolar disorder. Having the overall mood of bipolar but then having the trigger of emotion and feeling from ADHD can make it very confusing for a lot of us. If you search here on KZbin you will see that there are very few videos. Thank you.

[@Boelteajja]

You gave me the motivation to seek medical attention. Now I have a diagnosis (going through my life feeling that something's wrong) I have good medication and a very good doctor. My life has changed and I'm so happy 🙂

[@Pisces11]

I truly enjoy and appreciate you! Thank you for explaining topics in layman’s terms.

[@violetlove1893]

Omg I want that book! I need the physical book. Your work helps me and my family. Thanks for writing that book. 😇🌷🌹💐🌺🌸🌻💞💖

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you Violet. I like physical books to. I like to look at them at a glance and turn pages.

[@JesseUnderdog]

Experience on 'constant' switching if you're interested: I switch every other day. Depression most of the time, then short (2-hour but it differs) bursts of hypomania. It's like a flick of a switch, no transition. I'd say it's very linked to being an introvert as my temperament is in charge of how my energy is used (and recharged). When there's an important discussion, let's say a work meeting when the topic interests me (or some everyday life task is expected from me to be done), I switch to talking a lot (I preferably go without talking or socializing for days) or stay on top of the problem (using my hypomania as a fuel) which eventually depletes a lot of energy and (when the discussion or given task is done) within half an hour, I slip into heavy depression. I slowly recover but it usually lingers at least until a day after, then 'normal' depression (fed by casual tasks of everyday life) takes over. An example that is less linked to my temperament: Another trigger is learning new things - once I finally figure something important out, I feel like on top of the world, start an ambitious project using this fresh knowledge only to drop it days after (sometimes I do finish them but the initial hypomania is long gone when they're actually done). I do not take medication, I have a high caffeine intake (every day), horrible sleep schedule.

[@gabrielaa0006]

This sounds similar to something I experience.. switching frequently sometimes in one day and having those small bursts as you described. Have you been diagnosed?

[@JesseUnderdog]

​@@gabrielaa0006 Yeah, it's interesting to me that Dr. Marks says she never met anyone like this in her 20-year practice. Altough, true, it never occurred to me to ask how common it is.

[@gabrielaa0006]

@@JesseUnderdog yeah I feel the same way. I don’t really see anything like this often so I question myself! Also what you said that you’re introverted, I am HSP and also an introvert and my mood depends sometimes on other people’s energies. It can be triggering for me in both good and bad way but besides that sometimes I have no triggers at all so that might have to do something with switching constantly. Maybe being more sensitive to it or something since it’s not common... Just a thought!

[@JesseUnderdog]

@@gabrielaa0006 Yeah, if I don't use my triggers, it comes on its own for sure. Fortunately for me, my triggers are so easy (socializing) and surefire that I can manage it and use it to my benefits. Still hate manias though. Depressions I can't manage at all but since I've lived with them since I was 15, I kind of learned to 'embrace' them, although I crash very hard more often than not, to be honest.

[@gabrielaa0006]

@@JesseUnderdog honestly I am still identifying my triggers but other people are definitely one of them as their mood can affect mine... but depression for me has been constant two years now I think maybe even more but I can’t remember. I have been definitely battling social anxiety for most of my life and I never even knew I had it. I thought that feeling was normal. I am sorry to hear that, I hope you’re managing and have something that helps you cope with it. I understand how tough it can be..

[@rodrigosouza8723]

Hello Dr. Tracey! Just a quick note to thank you so much for making these illuminating educational mental health videos -- they always swing for the fences! I hope you and your family and all your loved ones are doing well and staying safe, all things considered. Wishing you a fantastic day and a very productive remainder of your week! Kindest regards from a mostly cloudy São Paulo, Brazil! 🇧🇷

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you Rodrigo! My husband uses those baseball references (knock it out of the park is his favorite) so I know this is a real compliment 😊. You have a great week as well

[@angelicaterry3367]

I really love it when people i subscribe to write books or guides because ... ownership! Also it's very inspiring.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

So glad you think so. I hope the guide is helpful!

[@chittyluv2651]

Hi Dr. Tracy! I love your videos. I have been bipolar for 40 years. It's a struggle. Thank you for these videos.

[@JadeDRail]

Yeh I rapid cycled most of my life. It was especially bad in highschool, especially mixed cycles. I remember I used to laugh uncontrollably and I wasn't sure if I was laughing or crying, super depressed or absolutely euphoric. I think I have been mixed most of my life. I was diagnosed at 24 but looking back at my childhood, I had the pediatric version my whole life and it slowly morphed into the adult version throughout my teen and early adulthood years. Lol! I have ADHD I tried stimulants before being diagnosed with bipolar and holy moly that was rough.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Lol I’ve seen the “holy moly” effect. Perfect label for that 👍🏽 I’m sorry though you’ve had to deal with this so long. I hope you have or will settle into a tolerable/manageable pattern of symptoms

[@JadeDRail]

@@DrTraceyMarks Thank you! Right now I'm on a few meds for Bipolar that help a lot. My current goal is getting my doctor to consider an Autism screening.

[@paulcomerford1]

Thanks yet again for more practical, down to earth and relatable information on bipolar disorder.

[@yanderechan5910]

The best psychiatrist I ever had referred me to watching your videos, and I'm glad I listened. Since subscribing I've been able to properly understand things about myself that I didn't before! I'm really grateful that you're able to share your knowledge with the world, it really helps!! Thank you!

[@poffeetalks]

Its ben almost 10 years since I was diagnosed the trifcta by the VA. The trifecta being ADHA, BPII and PTSD from combat. I have dabbld in all the drugs and before I lose interest or forget my point....here it goes. I a prescribed 60mg a day of addrall. Not every day is a 60mg day so sometimes less. Stimulants allow my ADHD mind to slow down To stay on task Plan past the now and not rush rush so much. Its when I do not take my adderall for whatever the VA messes it up that month my schedule my routine is off and thats when I begin to spiral,cycle and ultimately crash Focusing on the everyday struggles of my ADHD to not..... Its like wearing knee pads when you learn to roller skate obviously : ) THank you Dr Marks for all you do

[@rozaSkroza]

thank you lovely Tracey! have a great week!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome and you have a great week too 😊

[@sarahdoanpeace3623]

This was so incredibly helpful. I binge on your videos every other day and take notes! Thank you!

[@watchingstuffandthings8495]

Excited for your book!(: your videos are the most helpful ones out there for bipolar disorder

[@BeingBetter]

Thanks so much for making this video! It's really interesting to me. And thanks for showing us a preview of your book.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re so welcome! 👍🏽

[@BeingBetter]

@@DrTraceyMarks The thumbnail looks like me how I used to be and how I am now. 😅

[@titubavengeance6623]

Thank you for sharing

[@DrJustininJapan]

Thank you Dr. Marks for this very informative video! These videos are incredibly helpful in getting a solid introduction on a variety of topics

[@Imtrying_girl]

I am chronically depressed and fatigued. But once a year I hit a manic episode and don't even sleep. My doctor can't figure out if this is bipolar but it's like clock work every single year.

[@gilliancarson6522]

Does it happen around the same time every year?

[@KM-tq8yf]

I just found your channel and you are great ! Thank you for the clarity, simplicity, and efforts . Best to you

[@tumblingrosesstudio]

Congrats on the new book!

[@alliciaschmoker2513]

I love your books!!! So excited for this new one.

[@drizzy9126]

Doc, you in thumbnail in the blue dress... that picture should grace a magazine cover. Brains AND beauty. Quite angelic she be

[@olafwDE]

Dr. Marks, is there a way to opt out of machine-translating the titles and descriptions of your videos into local language? I haven't found an option in the KZbin settings yet, my locale is de-DE (German). E.g. this very video: the English "cycling" has been translated to "Radfahren", which literally means "bycicle riding". Funny, but far from accurate :-) It often takes additional, if not major guesswork to learn what the videos are actually about. Having said that, I cannot tell yet whether it's a feature of the KZbin app... That's even pretty likely, as there are other channels on medical topics I follow where the same things happen. Or is it in the hands of content creators who decided to tick a box for translation options while uploading? Here is how I feel about it, no offense intended: If I wasn't capable of understanding the English language, I would not subscribe to a channel in foreign language which covers these topics. It also keeps people from improving their English language skills. Finally, if the results are far from optimal, there's more damage done than value added. Kind regards and greetings from Germany PS: Thank you for doing these educational videos!

[@rhinadallila348]

Never heard about rapid cycling before

[@vettejakes]

Thanks for the informative video. I’m going to pre order that book.

[@carlyryan876]

Can you please give more info on mood switching and Circular Insanity. I cannot find much about it online. You are the first place I’ve ever heard of that. Thank you!

[@nachtorchis]

I have rapid cycling ever since I have stopped taking the pill. Every month I get depressed and manic. Each lastst only a week or so. I am certain that it has to do with my menstrual cycle.

[@sarahlynch4777]

Yesssss to this comment. I was baseline, period hit, instant depression- 4 days in changed to mania

[@jon-pauldupont5746]

Great information. Thank you

[@mannyomega713]

have you done a video on misdiagnosis and why bipolar is mostly diagnosed

[@kimneuparth5565]

I second that!

[@martialmusic]

Excellent presentation

[@azuurasmr7937]

How can you tell the difference between bipolar rapid cycling and something else that causes fast mood swings

[@Cathy-xi8cb]

Watch the playlist on bipolar. She makes it pretty clear. Psychiatry residents should be ordered to watch her videos before they take their boards.

[@tandyrichae6194]

@coda can you elaborate on that thought. What's pop psychiatry?

[@tandyrichae6194]

@coda thanks that makes a lot of sense. I agree that there is more to a medical education than these videos give and are meant for laymen.

[@alisa_and_pup]

well crap.. sooo, Hello! Diagnosed bipolar type 2 with rapid cycling(atypical presentation), as well as ADHD and anxiety. But I guess.. apparently I've been switching instead of cycling. This was one of the reasons it was confusing for me to get diagnosed. I was initially misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder for years. Symptoms set in around 10-11 years old. misdiagnosed at 16, and only diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 21. I didn't have long periods of normalcy. It didn't feel like I had any normalcy at all. I would spend half the year in an extremely depressed state, and the other half, in a slightly less depressed state, with one or 2 occasions where I would seem to have a "break through" or moment of clarity and figure out the secret to life, zooming around (as kids often do) finishing a months worth of chores that had stacked up in one day, being unaware of needing to eat or sleep. etc. But no psychosis, and it wouldn't even always last all day. sometimes a day or two, but in general, the episodes were VERY short and then I'd immediately fall right back into the heavy or lighter depression. I spent maybe... a week or 2 worth of days (not consecutively) in any "normal phase" each year. Since I didn't meet the technical requirements in the DSM-5, although I looked at BP when I was originally diagnosed, I thought, the clear cut off and length of hypomanic episodes meant that couldn't be what was happening to me. But I kept struggling, as I got older hypersexual urges became really pronounced (yeah, those are terrifying when you don't know what's happening) I was having difficulty in classes feeling motivated to do anything, even though I loved learning and was really knowledgeable in subjects I liked. Then this would translate to me feeling hopeless, like there was no point to anything, and I was never going to get better, and being so tired that most of the time, being asleep was preferable to being awake. Not to mention developing addictive behaviors to stimulate that hormonal high I was so lacking. I saw a therapist to work through a panic disorder, but never got on medication until I was 20 away at school. Because of my reaction to a certain medication and her consistently seeing me every week, my counselor suggested I should see a doctor when I got home as she thought it was possible that I might actually have bipolar disorder. The technical definitions in the DSM-5 were still worrying me that I wouldn't be taken seriously. But when I told the dr what had been happening, as well as my reaction to the anti-depressant (it helped the anxiety, but my depression got worse and unstable, which is apparently a very common reaction of people with bipolar to anti-depressants taken without mood stabilizers ) The dr was certain that I'd previously been misdiagnosed. And I might just have issues with rapid cycling (or ultradian cycling)....

[@alisa_and_pup]

ONLY NOW TO FIND OUT,.... that apparently I wasn't even cycling... I've just spent nearly my entire life switching. with no break between, and very murky lines, with plenty of mixed states as I'm transitioning. Heavy depression-straight to-lighter depression (for a few months)- straight to- heavy depression (for a few months)- straight to- one or two days of hypomania, with a short period of maybe half a week of normalcy? and then straight back into one of the depressions. This is my life. Over, and over and over. The mania has been increasing as I've gotten older, and despite nearly 4 years of actively looking through almost a dozen? medications with a psychiatrist and ALWAYS sticking on regimen consistently, I've barely seen any improvement. I'm starting to consider electroshock therapy... at 25. because I am getting literally nowhere and it's been more than half my life lol I'm not trying to argue with doctors, I'm just saying, if there were any doubts that people like me exist. You literally just. described my whole life. Which is hilarious, because when I was younger and I told people something was wrong, no one believed me (not that I can completely blame them. There's no severe mental illness on either side of the family, just slight depression and anxiety on dad's side and a cyclothymic temperament on mom's. Guess who got both? and the doctors didn't think to look for something like this when I was so young.) I knew something was wrong. I just didn't know what. Now keeping up with day to day is hard, I cannot handle a full time job without a mental breakdown (believe me, I tried) and going to school keeps putting me up against a wall, when I feel like I'm constantly exhausted and it's nearly futile to try and keep these swings in check. I'm doing everything I can right now. I'm in therapy. I'm working through coping mechanisms, working part time, trying to figure out next steps, working with a psychiatrist, trying to keep to a routine, and get healthier physically (lost like 60lbs over the last 2 years and dr says I'm in the perfect range now) but still trying to eat well and stay educated. So. here's to hoping I guess? If anyone has had treatments that have been helpful for them with resistant circumstances, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks, stay well

[@bubbercakes528]

I dread my best days because I know that as soon as they are over I will sink into depression. It’s like my mind climbs a cliff then just falls over the edge. I’ve been diagnosed bipolar for 20 years now.

[@jamesharmer9293]

My mood switches every three days, but I only got a diagnosis after I stopped drinking. My psychiatrist said I'd been self medicating on the mood swings for twenty years. These days I take my pills and don't drink. I can still feel the underlying mood swings, but they're much less serious.

[@ottolandin]

coffee is a good mood stabilizer for my adhd like symptoms and help me with depression, also. I take a variety of low dose psych meds as well.

[@Charlotte-x2x]

How come no psychiatrist or therapist ever mentioned this to me but instead described medications or knew nothing about how to use them properly. I had to figure this out myself over 30years and many needless suffering and hospitalizations. It seems like I am always teaching my therapist and psychiatrist about how bipolar works

[@taylorm1396]

I would love more insight into ADHD. It seems to go widely undiagnosed, especially in women. A lot of people I know aren’t getting diagnosed until well into their 30s.

[@bruh666]

I often feel like my rapid cycling mood switches are a pendulum: when it swings too hard and too fast one way, it quickly swings back the other, then back again but a little less intense, then back and forth like that, the episodes slowly getting less intense untill it's neutral again. I don't ever go from full depression or full mania to a neutral mood, there's always a few switches back and forth before I get there.

[@saywhatyouwant888]

Hi DrMarks been diagnosed depression with bipolar 20yrs (family tragedy) at the time of treatment life was up 1 minute down the next but the downs were just to many and to bad . I didn't really feel manic rather more of permanent depressed look i had .Rx on zoloft and lacmital.i suffered real bad Until 10yrs ago of my own accord decided to do away with all medicines. treating insomnia with xanax became my savvior .even this am tapering it now 0.125 mg on night. initially was on 8-10 mg daily..i do know my depression and bpd here to stay but why do l feel better clearer mind without medications than on . I stopped going to the psychiatrist treating me even simply cause medication only worsens my condition . Btw thank you so much Dr.Marks looking out for the vids every week. Very succinct clear eloquent you're in reaching your audience. Take care Dr .blessings on your way always 💕

[@elisenieuwe4649]

@ Dr. Tracey Thanks for the interesting video's every time. I've got a question as well. Can cyclothemia change into dysthymia? I've had multiple depressions and looking back over 15 years I think I've had low level 'mania' episodes as well in between in which I was way more confident about myself and my future and slept quite a lot less while still feeling energetic. I'm wondering If I had cyclothemia. But these past 6 years I've not been deeply depressed (only low level apparently) or having heightened periods. I've recently realized that I probably am dysthymic now, since I've definitely got the symptoms. The assistant psychologist at my home doctor agrees with that. Is this even possible? Or might I've been dysthymic for way longer and am I confusing the short (2 weeks) better periods (normal not down feeling) for low grade 'mania'?

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Hmmm…. I guess it’s possible. Dysthymia is a little lower level than the low mood of cyclothymia. Then depression would be more severe than dysthymia. If you’re feeling deeply depressed I wonder if you have just slipped into full depressive episodes. Some people refer to cyclothymia as more of an emotional temperament than a mood disorder. So it could be that you have shifted from moderate intensity ups and downs to a state where are your “down” is lower and thus more of a persistent depressive disorder which is what we now call dysthymia.

[@elisenieuwe4649]

@@DrTraceyMarks thank you.

[@saechaomae]

Thank you for all that you do in making all these videos. I sent you an email Dr.Marks.

[@fannylchtx3855]

Hey there! First of all thank you for making your videos it helps me and my entourage to understand my bipolar disorder, and it helped me a lot to find tips and tricks to handle my episodes! Tho I have a question, about your books, I’m in France, can it be delivered here? I think having a copy for myself and one for my family could be great, especially for them to put themselves in my shoes and..see what I feel! If it does I’m definitely buying at least one for my family! Edit: so whenever I got hyponmania I tend to switch to depression as soon as the hypomania s over, it’s not a cycle it’s a switch? Did I get it right?

[@omnistasis]

Im at 1 to 2 months depressed and about a week or 2 being hypomanic (BPD2). I stopped taking my stimulant because of the codependency and my struggle with past addiction. I take 1600mg of Gabapentin and 600mg of lamotrigine. It seems to be my best mix so far. I went through wellbutrin, cymbalta, trazadone and I currently take propranolol (general anxiety) and seroquil (sleep) as needed.

[@flyingfrogs2489]

I am so lucky that my stimulant medication for ADHD doesn't affect my bipolar disorder and actually help me stay stable... Whenever I'm off of it I feel real wonky and get even a bit delirious if that's the right word and it doesn't feel good. Not taking my Concerta is what can trigger mania for me

[@QU33NyBAyB33]

@Dr. Tracey Marks I've been rapid cycling for YEARS. I haven't experienced my baseline "normal" in years as well, and let me tell you, IT TAKES A TOLL! Mania ruined and continues to ruin my life, but I roll with the punches. I just wanted to write this comment to say it's possible to keep Switching from full blown mania to full blown major depression for 2 years straight. I have episodes monthly. Maybe 9-14 episodes a year. I'm mentally exhausted and my interpersonal relationships suffer horribly. I just feel like it doesn't change even with my rigorous psychiatric treatments

[@curiouscat5045]

I experience something similar to this.

[@QU33NyBAyB33]

@Dr. Tracey Marks

[@curiouscat5045]

@@QU33NyBAyB33 I know for me, other comorbidities come into play. I have GAD/PD and I believe to have undxn Autism. For those reasons, I think I'm extremely sensitive to my inter/interpersonal relationships. My psych agrees I am very sensitive in general and that she recognizes that I cycle AND switch often... She says she "has seen it before" but it's not very common. Because of this, she has (more now than ever) been referring to "the bipolar spectrum."

[@nedsantos1415]

Hi Dr. Marks, What are some primary symptoms when bipolar is compounded with childhood trauma and ADHD? Thank you for taking the time to help me.

[@rafaelguerrero2792]

I consider myself an "ultradian". Im mostly depressed all the time but between two or three days I could get a hypomanic phase, it becomes so random, and my mood changes so fast. Before medication I had mixed episodes, that was pretty debilitating as much as intense.

[@jairolondono6824]

I discovered I was bipolar because I went to a psychiatrist complaining of attention deficit disorder. Her trainee was considering the option of giving me ritalin, but then the psychiatrist asked me some questions, we had a friendly talk and then she said she realized my accelerated speech and mind are signs of an affective disorder. I am on lithium right now, and I am not in a hurry anymore and my mood is more stable. Anyway, stress is the biggest enemy with the bipolar disorder and from time to time, my symptoms break through the medicine

[@jairolondono6824]

By the way, ritalin would have made me psychotic, so they didn't prescribe it.

[@rsgabrys3080]

-------------- thank you Dr. Marks ✅

[@sweaters_and_harmony9525]

Not that I am diagnosing myself or anything, but I have noticed that I have A LOT more mood swings/variation in my energy levels when I throw off my sleep schedule...

[@user-lq3ff5yl3s]

\•F*O*R_ S*P*O*N*S*O*R*S*H*I*P_ A*N*D L*I*V*E_ C*H*A*T_ W * H * A * T * S * A * p * p _ M * E + * 1 * 7 * 0 * 7 * 2 * 1 * 9 * 6 * 2 * 4 * 6/~

[@tonyarenee531]

My case with rapid cycling or ultra seems to be the more triggered I am or stress! I use to rapid cycle monthly right around the time I got my money from disability I would get very hyper to the point I would have a panic attack I have always rapid / ultra cycled for many many years .... but lately stress has been down and I haven't been rapid cycling nor had an episode in about 6 plus months where before it was monthly does triggers and stress cause you to rapid cycle ? I don't get depressive haven't in many many years! It's more mania in a way I take antipsychotics ( Seroquel ) & Lithium now for years I take Cymbalta and lamotrigine duloxetine Love Your Vids.... Thanks for always helping others I have night terrors and he prescribed nabilone / cbd... but I won't take it due to taking many meds that make me loopy like my clonazepam When in hypo mania I feel wonderful so full of energy but my mind races and I talk non stop and can't stop moving at all / OH I WANT THAT BOOK

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Get it! I didn’t talk about it that much but yes stress can trigger instability as well. Hang in there 😊

[@tonyarenee531]

@@DrTraceyMarks Very much so! Thanks Dr. Marks! Your a GEM

[@kennethvaughan6719]

Do the triggers like travel and light mostly reduce to sleep? Like, it’s not something about being in a new place per se, being overwhelmed, etc., but jet lag and disruptions to sleep patterns?

[@43MinutesWithJamieRose]

Hi Doctor 👋 First & foremost you’re awesome! I have ADHD, depression, anxiety & insomnia. I have treatment resistant depression & my doctor referred me to a specialist. They offer transcranial magnetic stimulation. I’d never heard of it. I am researching it & will search to see if you’ve made a video about it. If not, I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic!

[@claudian9938]

My brother is in a psyche unit. He’s not dangerous but delusional even with medication and it’s been two weeks. My family doesn’t know what to do if we should get him out or keep him in there because we want him to be safe :,( any advice on from anyone going through this who will understand what my family is going through. It’s heartbreaking :( he promises to stay on his medication but still VERY delusional.

[@froschbart-verwirrt6712]

Hi. The German auto translation for the videos title is incorrect, but I don't know how to fix it.

[@IamFlowerChildOfficial]

Thank you so much for the knowledge you provide in your videos. I have bipolar disorder and find these helpful to watch when I go through my episodes. I’m curious to know how bipolar disorder affects friendships/relationships. I have a family member who over the years has lost a lot of friends and more recently had so much conflict with family that they’ve had to cut off communication. This causes me to now worry when I find conflicting issues between my friends and I, that I am not sure how to handle it thinking- am I being irrational and overthinking or do I have a valid reason to voice my frustrations? I would love your insight on this!

[@adagioborntrager4456]

So I have cyclthomia and have been excessive rapid cycling for the last year. For as long as I can remember I have had these highs and lows, but I feel like when I was in high school in had a few years of just depression. You mentioned that rapid cycling usually last two years. Does this mean it would stop and stay on the lows again for a while and then just rapid cycle again?

[@eliscanfield3913]

I can see confusing "hey, I'm not depressed today" with a manic episode if you've no idea what they're really like. I get seriously silly with relief when I'm actually feeling good. Feeling chipper is weird.

[@mizeriluvscompany2198]

Thank you Dr. Marks for your videos! What advice would you give to someone who watches your videos and tries to have a dialogue with their doctor with the information you have provided, and then being accused by your doctor that you are trying to engineer a diagnosis? Thanks!

[@WerewolfHorrorNut]

You should make a video explaining BPD

[@brackets6188]

She has made one. Many videos on BPD, actually. Check out her channel.

[@rubylove2320]

Thank you! I want the print book!

[@amysinger2201]

what about bipolar and pregnancy? does mania get triggered? how about breast feeding? weening? sleep training? post-partum psychosis?

[@ibramnarendra]

I am on this cycle

[@helenhucker346]

Hello Dr Marks. Another excellent video and I hope you will be kind enough to address my question. I am a sixty four year old woman experiencing anxiety and tearfulness on a daily basis. I have been diagnosed as suffering from the psychological effects of the menopause and I have been prescribed hormone replacement therapy with limited improvement so far. Is it possible that I have developed a bipolar disorder due to hormonal changes at this time in my life? I never had any mood problems prior to the menopause other than a little pre menstrual tension during my fertile years. I know women in their forties, fifties and sixties who are similarly concerned that they have become mentally ill and therefore require different treatment than the standard HRT therapy that they have been offered. I'm sure that any reply would be of great interest to them. Thanks again for all the work that you do and best wishes from the UK.

[@paesitopaez4302]

Dr. Marks, as always, great video. Thanks to your information and other sources I've been available to discard bipolar disorder with my psychiatrist. I have the diagnosis of BPD and MDD, and because of drug abuse and trauma I've sank into three mayor depressive episodes and one hypomanic episode. Now, I have a question for you Doc; The three major depressive episodes I've had have been around the same time on 2017, 2019 and 2021. This could all be coincidental but if there's a cyclical pattern to my MDD, does it mean it is connected to a Seasonal Affective Disorder? If this is the case, would the diagnosis change from MDD to SAD?

[@hunnybadger442]

Lol only 4?... Doc told me my baseline is hypomanic... We're working on it... No depression though... Haven't had a bad depressive episodes in years.... And my mixed moods stopped... So I'm good...

[@user-lq3ff5yl3s]

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[@josiehiggins9513]

How do you know if it's bipolar or depression and not a toxic relationship?

[@robertshuman166]

Is there a term for when you go from depressed in the winter to mixed in the spring to manic in the summer to mixed in the fall to depressed in the winter and so on year after year with no break in betwenn despite trying a battery of medications?

[@Mika-mc5ms]

Is it common to have symptoms of mania when you are just feeling good after a depressive episodes? Like is it normal to sleep 4 hours and feel super energetic and doing all day things I wouldn't usually do or obsessively cleaning something and not being able to stop? Someone ones told me that it's just normal to have more energx after a depressive episode but what is the extend to where it goes? Sorry for the long question

[@iamlegion5035]

I should be happy I just got a job after 3 years of struggling have a wonderful girlfriend and the best parents but I feel dead inside like I constantly just wish I am dead tried so many times and it makes me feel like even a bigger failure. 8 doesn't trust being happy because it never lasts and I don't know if it's real. I drink mood stabilizers but I also am using substances because it makes me feel complete. I feel torn in two

[@violetlove1893]

Thank you for this video, Dr. Marks.. my daughter has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and she cries about cartoons and then start yelling over a broken pen. Then she talks like nothing happened. Would you consider this ' rapid cycling'?

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Not necessarily. That could be a labile mood that is part of mania. Mania can vary in intensity and go up and down

[@violetlove1893]

@@DrTraceyMarks thank you so much for responding. I know that a psychiatrist has to look at different aspects of a person's life, circumstances, meds, diet, and other factors. But I'm trying to figure out how to break the cycle once it starts. She has a psychiatrist that is overworked, underpaid, and charges at a sliding scale so I'm concerned that he just looked at her physical expression and gave her meds. She is high functioning autistic and doesn't admit it. I want to help but she's of legal age.

[@Catlily5]

@@DrTraceyMarks Can you feel suicidal in the morning and high as a kite in the afternoon during a manic episode? Or is that a mixed episode?

[@morwenna691]

Could bipolar disorder also be super slow cycling? My sibling only has one episode of severe mania every year or two, between this, they have episodes of depression and hypomania that are fairly mild and can even be left medication free most of the time. The only time they're on medication is to manage out of control mania, and when it's over (can take months and often involves a sectioning) they're okay again for agesss without meds. Is this highly unusual? "

[@ashdavis3866]

Would you be able to cover how to treat narcolepsy in conjunction with bipolar2 and adhd? I have all three and I am on a mood stabilizer and a lot of stimulant medication. I rarely ever experience hypomania, and when I do it’s very mild, but my depression has become almost unmanageable. I feel like I’m always depressed no matter what I do. I may have a good day here and there but I’m always falling down the rabbit hole so easily.

[@heidiho5179]

That’s funny...people always think bipolar means you’re nice one minute and nasty the next, moody and constantly switching. I have Bipolar 1 disorder and I find it to be I stigmatizing stereotype.

[@Jalentheuntold]

If you haven't had mania in about 2 years does that mean you are in remission from bipolar?

[@samho6902]

Can Paxil CR help with OCD and GAD? Thanks.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Yes it is one of several antidepressants that can be used.

[@samho6902]

@@DrTraceyMarks Thanks for your reply. I have one more question: I suffer from MDD, GAD and OCD. Is Remeron or Brintellix more effective to me? Thanks. (I am also taking paroxetine)

[@nycitygirl18]

Love her

[@purplefireweed]

Dr Marks, can you pls talk about bipolar and post-menopause/older adults? How do symptoms change, improve, worsten? Are there any life expectancy studies on bipolar patients? Thank you so much for your work and for freely sharing your wisdom. 🌹❣️🌹

[@marym6939]

Hi could you do a video on PMDD?

[@user-lq3ff5yl3s]

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[@ikaikatorres823]

Okay, Dr. Marks, if I’ve been diagnosed with Bipolar but later diagnosed with CPTSD, does this mean I’m not Bipolar and should not take mood stabilizers?

[@Catlily5]

I have both C-PTSD and Bipolar. Check with your doctor before changing your meds.

[@snaxicakes]

Omg that BOOK!!

[@mau935]

How do psychiatrists mostly augment when someone has a partial response to an ssri?

[@user-lq3ff5yl3s]

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[@Cathy-xi8cb]

Thank you for clarifying the HUGE risks of taking a stimulant if you have a bipolar disorder. And demonstrating how a good diagnostician parses out things. Patients need a good diagnostic interview. Dr. Google isn't capable of that! What a good idea for a book. This is so necessary! And thanks for clarifying the difference between bipolar switching versus dissociative switching. I think there are a lot of poorly managed patients (and weakly trained providers) that use terms incorrectly and send everyone down a rabbit hole.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks Cathy. There’s a lot of problems with the system. One big one is things are too rushed. Patients don’t get nearly enough education on things. And it’s not realistic to deliver that in a 10 minute appointment. Even with my 30 minute med checks I don’t get to say everything I want to. So I also use these videos to supplement my patient appts in addition to educating others.

[@VladaldTrumptin]

I have first hand experience with this after being prescribed vyvanse for adhd. Bad things happened.

[@dreamznaspiratons7064]

When did she explain disassociation?

[@nhmisnomer]

My mother's mood changed about every 2 weeks for years. She'd be in a good mood then brood for a day or two, then be enraged for a couple weeks b4 switching back with no transition time. Sometimes instead of just being nice, she'd be manic like working 24 hours on a project. She never had a normal laugh; it always sounded crazy. Around her periods she'd sometimes get so depressed she wouldn't bathe or dress. She never got help. In retrospect, I feel really sad for her.

[@eliscanfield3913]

I wonder if she may've had something like PMDD. I get that the week before my period, both the hair trigger temper and the extra depression, then I settle to my regular depression.

[@shadowburrito4]

I can only imagine how challenging that must've been. Sending you hugs and good thoughts. Stay strong.

[@nhmisnomer]

@@shadowburrito4 thank you ☺

[@nhmisnomer]

@@eliscanfield3913 I had never heard of PMDD. I'll look into it. Thanks for the suggestion and I hope you're doing well.☺

[@creolefemme9829]

Sounds exactly like my mother.

[@Raja-bz4yw]

Oh and another question, why is it so hard to clean when you have depression? I struggle with cleaning now n I can't even unpack anything due it. And I also noticed my memory has gotten worse from my depression? Why is that? Anything I can do to help improve this?

[@mkxv1]

@Raja go through her playlists, she has done several videos addressing brain fog, negative emotions, motivation and such.. Also lots of her videos about bipolar and Adhd will help you understand more about depression.

[@BeingBetter]

My energy is so low when I'm depressed, and memory is bad. Depression sucks, but it's almost better than mania. Mania is anxiety inducing and embarrassing. I cleaned today, got it done but there's always more to do when you have kids.

[@paulaalejandralizarazosanc9402]

Totally get you. Search "spoon theory" on Google. When you are depressed, you only get a few spoons of energy, which explains why activities like cleaning or cooking become so incredibly hard to do. My advice for you is to take it easy, and to adjust every day to the amount of spoons you are given! However, if you always get a good night's sleep, you'll definitely have more energy

I have bipolar type 2 and my mum says she doesn’t think I have bipolar. I don’t think she understands it well enough so maybe I’ll share your book with her.

[@kkech1]

My sis and brother said the same to me. They just meant it well, tho.

@@kkech1 yeah my mum means well too, but it’s invalidating and makes me feel like not being open anymore :(

[@christinemacmacleod4880]

@ I am bipolar too. I have been doing this a long, long time. My best advice to you is don’t worry about what other people think. Don’t let family and friends divert you from caring for yourself, listening to you psychiatrist, and taking your meds. Having friends and family on side is useful as a support system if you get really sick but don’t let them derail your health.

[@JadeDRail]

I would like never have recovering episodes, I would always just switch from one to the other. Now that I'm on meds, I still have "cycles" but they're so much less intense that it's easier to manage. But I also have ADHD and GAD, PTSD (and pretty sure I'm autistic) so it can be really hard to define "normal" or "recovery episodes".

[@nichollle]

we're very similar. i was diagnosed with autism and have ocd, gad, and social anxiety as well as bipolar. i don't cycle anymore because my medication regimen is pretty good but when i wasn't on mood stabilizers, i didn't have recovering episodes either.

[@stracciamenta]

Same, in combination with ADHD. Without meds my life was just one episode after another, no breaks, hypomania switching to depression again and again every month. For years.

[@JadeDRail]

@@stracciamenta Yeah it's really rough. I had a lot of mixed episodes or sometimes I could switch every few weeks. But I heard that is quite common in younger people.

[@JadeDRail]

@@nichollle Honestly, I felt like the depression was to recover from the hypomania. I never had like a normal. Or if I did, it lasted 1-3 days. Not really enough time to recover.

[@nadiajones2643]

i also don’t really experience recovery episodes. i have bipolar 2 as well as ASD, ADHD, a mild processing disorder, & an eating disorder for reference. maybe this is common for people with certain comorbidities? idk

[@davidprocell8138]

Dr. Tracy: You’re amazing!!! I need that book. It’s like you understand, that’s huge when you feel like you’d the square peg in a circle world! God Bless You!!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thank you David! I hope it’s helpful for you. 👍🏽 all the best to you

[@jrobb8845]

I used to wake up extremely happy to the point of my head hurting and I’d just start laughing singing, and dancing for no reason it almost felt like I was high or out of my mind. then an hour later I’d start crying for no reason.. then I’d be depressed and I would just lay on the floor stare one way and silently cry because i felt like my whole existence hurt. I wouldn’t want to talk, eat, shower or even sleep. Actually I couldn’t sleep during this time. Then after that I’d feel empty for several days and eventually pass out.After that go back to being extremely happy/high feeling. This would happen off and on for a few months the jus stop for like a 3-6 month period. Also around those times I’d always end up quitting my jobs, cutting people off, working out, and shopping like crazy. Every time I was in a store I would see something that I knew I’d hate, but in that moment I had to have it because it sounded like a good idea. Which all these things I would always end up regretting once I’m kinda back to normal. I eventually saw a doc and began my mental health journey and they told me I was bipolar at first I laughed because my family don’t believe in any of this type of stuff, but afterwards I realized I could put an end to this nightmare... I ended up taking the meds and after switching pills several times. We finally found something that works. As long as I take my meds daily and avoid energy drinks or alcohol.. I found out that I could make those Harry feelings happen everyone I did an energy drink or alcohol. Which is why I rarely choose to drink either. I can actually do things I like and I have a job I’ve been with for a whole year now I’ve been been out in numerous leadership roles and in in line to be promoted. So life’s been pretty good!

[@LookItsTy]

I'm bipolar two. Before I got diagnosed officially and got on my medication I was rapid cycling almost weekly. I also suffer from sever anxiety that has been debilitating and life destroying. The combination of the two unmedicated is absolutely crushing. I have found better ways of managing it along with taking my meds. Life is never perfect and we as humans should and do feel very normal emotions and that's okay. I do not always have control over them but recognizing which reactions and emotions I am having are mania and anxiety or just me feeling normal levels of stress, has really helped turn things around for me. Time management as a bipolar person is key. Scheduling yourself as a bipolar is also key. Thank you doctor Tracy. You have definitely been a calm, kind, and informative voice throughout my last year of my mental health journey.

[@hayleywilson1628]

I have both of these as well.. can I ask what meds helped you?

[@tristinkirby]

Why cant more doctors be like Dr. Marks this woman actually cares and takes the times to explain and help people.