<P> Most people who meet criteria for bipolar disorder experience a number of episodes , on average 0.4 to 0.7 per year , lasting three to six months . Rapid cycling , however , is a course specifier that may be applied to any of the above subtypes . It is defined as having four or more mood disturbance episodes within a one - year span and is found in a significant proportion of individuals with bipolar disorder . These episodes are separated from each other by a remission ( partial or full ) for at least two months or a switch in mood polarity ( i.e. , from a depressive episode to a manic episode or vice versa ) . The definition of rapid cycling most frequently cited in the literature ( including the DSM ) is that of Dunner and Fieve : at least four major depressive , manic , hypomanic or mixed episodes are required to have occurred during a 12 - month period . Ultra-rapid ( days ) and ultra-ultra rapid or ultradian ( within a day ) cycling have also been described . The literature examining the pharmacological treatment of rapid cycling is sparse and there is no clear consensus with respect to its optimal pharmacological management . </P>
the rapid cycling specifier refers to an individual with bipolar disorder who experiences at least
four or more mood disturbance episodes within a one - year span