Relationship between social rhythms and mood in patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder

Circadian rest–activity rhythm in individuals at risk for psychosis and bipolar disorder

“…Among other findings, this study showed that higher scores were associated with fragmented and relatively small circadian rhythm amplitudes of activity and rest. The onset and course of bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) exhibit lower social rhythm (e.g., bedtimes, mealtimes, start and end of school or a job) regularity than do healthy controls (Ashman et al, 1999;Jones et al, 2005;Szuba et al, 1992). Even during the euthymic state and controlling for sub-syndromal depressive and hypo/manic symptoms, the individuals with bipolar II or cyclothymic disorders had lower social rhythm regularity (Shen et al, 2008).…”

Regularity of daily activities buffers the negative impact of low perceived control on affect

“…The items of interest asked participants how much time was spent on various activities in the preceding 24 h. Based on their similarity to social rhythm activities that have previously been associated with mood outcomes (Ashman et al 1999;Monk et al 1991), the following specific activities were selected for inclusion in the present conceptualization of daily regularity: sleeping, caring for children, doing chores, working, watching television, giving unpaid assistance, participating in leisure activities, engaging in physical activities, and volunteering.…”

Clinical Relevance and Treatment Possibilities of Bipolar Rapid Cycling

“…This is supported by another study [11] where the best predictor for the development of hypomania or mania in 11 RC patients followed over 18 months was the reduced sleep in the night prior to a switch. Consequently, social rhythm therapy as a psychotherapeutic treatment approach focuses on a stable sleep-wake cycle in RC patients [12].…”