title: [Rapid cycling in bipolar disorders].
abstract: Two patients, a woman aged 32 and a man aged 27 years, were suffering from rapid cycling bipolar disorder (i.e. a course with four or more episodes a year). Hypothyroidism and the use of antidepressants may be involved in the development of such a disease course. Treatment with carbamazepine was successful in both patients. Patients suffering from rapid cycling bipolar disorder should be treated with lithium or carbamazepine, or a combination of these. Antidepressants should only be used with great caution.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatrisch Ziekenhuis Endegeest, afd. Jelgersmapolikliniek, Oegstgeest.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Knoppert-van der Klein
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hoogduin
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Nolen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D002220:Carbamazepine; D008094:Lithium
vernacular_title: 'Rapid cycling' bij bipolaire stoornissen.