Curious - Mania & Depression

[scochran]

I was just wondering...what is the average length of time a manic or depressive episode will last if left untreated?  (This doesn't count ending it with death by suicide.)  I heard somewhere that an untreated manic episode will last four months.

[paranoid_cataclysm]

Usually a few months from what I've heard other people say about their experiences with it unless they're rapid cycling which occurs much more frequently.

[adel_ezz]

yes they say so a few months as you said. but usually docs won't allow this to happen not knowing the repercussions, so they urge the pt to stop it as quickly as possible since it has destructive effects on the brain.