RAPID-CYCLING MOOD DISORDER - A REVIEW

Objectives: Rapid cycling mood disorder is an important clinical pheno menon. The concept of rapid cycling has evolved since it was first des cribed in 1974. The purpose of this review is to summarise current dia gnostic criteria, postulated risk factors and suggested management str ategies. Method: A Medline and Psych-Lit computerised literature searc h was supplemented by tracing back through the references from existin g review work. Results: Over 80 papers were identified which discussed diagnosis and management of rapid cycling. Conclusions: DSM-IV provid es a useful but narrow definition of rapid cycling. Standard treatment of affective disorder may exacerbate rapid cycling. If a rapid cyclin g course develops, discontinuation of antidepressants and use of mood stabilisers is recommended.