Bipolar bf-is rapid cycle worse than other types?

Question

MadforMac-could you please quit following me around and judging me? You don't know me. I am learning all that I can so I can make informed decisions. You call yourself a Christian? Quit judging people then. Its people like you that have turned others away from religion.

Answer 1

I am a man with Bipolar I, with rapid cycling features. I've been in treatment for this for over 20 years and have suffered with it for 40 years.

Rapid cyclers are supposedly more difficult to treat. Successful medication almost always requires a mix of two or three or more medications taken together. The person's medication responses may change over time, requiring periodic testing and readjustment.

Where "regular" Bipolar people may be either "up" or "down" for several weeks or months at a time, rapid-cyclers can often have several changes of mood extreme in a single day. Some rapid cyclers (myself included) also experience something called "mixed moods". A mixed mood is the worst form of mental hell I know of. You are extremely manic AND extremely depressed at the same time.

Now that I've painted an ugly picture, let me remind you that Bipolar is a treatable illness. It requires good medical help and a strong support system. Every year, new advances into treatment and medications are made. Encourage your bf in the fact that things can get better.

Importantly - remember that you aren't responsible for someone else's illness. This is especially hard for friends and family of people with mind illnesses to understand. You can't make the person well or make him sick. If you are willing to, you can be a helpful support, but some people aren't able to do that.

Answer 2

Amen, Doug K! I am an ultra rapid cycler who is plagued by mixed states, and yes, it is the worst form of bipolar. However, a world-class psychiatrist and an excellent therapist help keep me stable. It is possible to manage the illness, with the right help.

Answer 3

I do believe that rapid cycling bipolar disorder is more difficult to deal with than other types. I think that it may also be harder to treat with medication, because, as the name implies, the moods tend to shift from depressive to manic so rapidly, hence making it difficult to determine what levels of antidepressants and lithium would be most effective. As difficult, frustrating, and heartbreaking as it may be to date someone with rc bpd, I can only imagine what sort of internal and mental turmoil your boyfriend must be dealing with on a daily basis, and most likely, for his entire life.

Answer 4

I lived with a bi polar man, who died in a car accident. I then found out just how much alcohol he drank and if you know anything about mental meds, they don't mix with alcohol. I was a single mother (divorced) when I met him and I say to you now, on the bi polar issue alone: Run, run away and don't look back.

Answer 5

Lana, you spend so much time asking questions about this bf with bipolar, don't you have something better to do honey?

I asked you to consider why you are in this relationship in a previous post. Is it possibly that you are a "rescuer"? That is not healthy for you if you are, please really think carefully about this relationship. You spend way too much time asking questions about him.

Answer 6

Psycho babble all over the place tonight. Get someone who does not use lame excuses for stupid behaviour.