For 51 patients with rapid cycling affective disorder, clinical and
family history data indicated that the illness was phenotypically and
genetically related to more typical forms of affective disorder, was
characterized by a bipolar course (100%), and was more common in women
(92%). Manic-depressive cycles were separate from menstrual cycles. At the
time of onset of rapid cycling, 73% of the patients were taking
antidepressant drugs; the continuation of rapid cycling was associated with
antidepressant drug therapy in 51% of the patients. Although most patients
had been referred to a research ward because they were considered to be
refractory to treatment, 37% attained essentially complete remissions,
usually during treatment with lithium and/or monoamine oxidase
inhibitors.
Abstract Teaser