title: The phenomenon of rapid cycling in bipolar mood disorders: a review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the various pharmacological and nonpharmacological factors associated with the induction of rapid cycling in bipolar mood disorder, and to introduce the idea that parturition may also have a role. Factors known to contribute to bipolar mood disorder rapid cycling include antidepressant agents, female gender and middle age. Currently, there is evidence that hypothyroidism may also play a role.
  
  
  METHODS
  A critical review of the literature was undertaken.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caution should be exercised in the use of antidepressants in patients with bipolar mood disorders.
authors.affiliation: London Psychiatric Hospital, Mood Disorders Unit, University of Western Ontario.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Persad
authors.forename: O J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Oluboka
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mazmanian
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kueneman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010507:Periodicity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents