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Rapid cycling mood disorder: A review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Elaine Healy  and
Patrick McKeon
Patrick McKeon
Affiliation:
Depression Research Unit, St Patrick's Hospital, James's St, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Abstract

Objectives: Rapid cycling mood disorder is an important clinical phenomenon. The concept of rapid cycling has evolved since it was first described in 1974. The purpose of this review is to summarise current diagnostic criteria, postulated risk factors and suggested management strategies.

Method: A Medline and Psych-Lit computerised literature search was supplemented by tracing back through the references from existing review work.

Results: Over 80 papers were identified which discussed diagnosis and management of rapid cycling.

Conclusions: DSM-IV provides a useful but narrow definition of rapid cycling. Standard treatment of affective disorder may exacerbate rapid cycling. If a rapid cycling course develops, discontinuation of antidepressants and use of mood stabilisers is recommended.

Keywords

Bipolar disorderAffective disorderPeriodicityActivity cyclesRapid cycling
Type
Reviews
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 14 , Issue 1 , March 1997 , pp. 26 - 31
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1997

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