bipolar ultradian cycling
Can too much coffee trigger a hypomanic episode?
I have been diagnosed with depression but I am only depressed some of the time. I have really sudden mood swings. Im happy enough sometimes but if something happens, even a little thing, I get really depressed or else pretty angry. My shrink thought I had bipolar disorder II but he thinks my mood swings are too often. I started drinking coffee about a week ago so I could focus on stuff and not be so tired. Last night I got so much energy. I was really happy. Today I couldnt sit still. When I did I was shaking. My thoughts were racing. I was so happy. It sort of scared me though. I thougth it might be from too much coffee but why would it start a week later. Any ideas what it could be? Also I read about ultradian mood cycles with bipolar disorder. Can anyone explain what exactly these are?
Before anyone says it-Im not trying to diagnose myself with anything. I just want to understand what going on.
I have never heard of too much coffee triggering a hypomanic episode by itself. However, I think it can exacerbate a mood shift that is already in motion. A key indicator is if your sleep is drastically reduced. Ultraradian (sp?) mood cycles are those that take place over the course of a single day instead of days or weeks as in most bipolar disorder. So you can shift from depression to mania to depression again in a single day. This does happen and for some people it is the norm. Good luck sorting all of this out for yourself – it may take some time. Keep working closely with your doc.
