Abstract
A subgroup of patients who experience four or more major mood swings per year has been identified as rapid cyclers (Dunner and Fieve 1974). This subgroup is now believed to account for a significant proportion of treatment-resistant bipolar patients. Such rapid cycling has been indicated to be not only exacerbated, but possibly caused by the use of conventional antidepressants such as tricyclics (Wehr and Goodwin 1979). We applied phototherapy and vitamin BL2 coadministration to two patients with nonseasonal rapid cycling affective disorders, whose manic-depressive phases were uncontrollable for several years by various combinations of mood stabilizers as well as thyroid hormone. After these chronobiological treatments, their sleepwake rhythms became normal and their manic-depressive episodes became markedly suppressed. We presented some characteristic findings in their biological rhythms, and also discussed the usefulness of the chronobiological approach for treatment-resistant rapid cyclers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
