Hi. My son (Bipolar III, clozapine, 19 years old) tends to get manic during the winter. We live in North Dakota. Bipolar literature always says bipolars get depressed in fall and winter and manic in spring and summer but with my son it seems to be the opposite. He starts to show signs of mania in late October and by March it's full blown. Can anybody relate to this or offer a different opinion. Thanks.

My son is bipolar I. Thanks.

Hi Cameron!

I am pretty newly diagnosed with BiPolar 1 and have only been through a couple of seasons. I have had several cycles of Mania and Depression without rhyme or reason.... they just don't make sense to me what is triggering what.

I'm sure someone will come along soon that may have experienced seasonal cycles.

I wish you and your son the best!!!

Abbie

So called reversed seasonal bipolar disorder is a pretty rare condition. My nephew developed it 6 years ago. No family history of mental disorders, but history of severe streptococcal infection during his childhood with the subsequent sepsis and Rheumatic fever. During his teenage years he stopped having any symptoms of Rheumatic fever, but at age 21 developed first episode of mania.It seems to be treatment resistant and only Zyprexa seems to control his symptoms to certain degree. Recently I found information how infection can cause mutation of the gene important in functioning of hypothalamus. Hypothalamus in turn is responsible for seasonal rhythm regulation, mood, regulation, hormones and immune system.
may I ask you if your son has relatives with mental condition. Has he had any serious health problems?

I know someone who used to get manic autumn and spring. The increasing light could explain it in spring, but not the decreasing light in the autumn. So what gives? Maybe part of it was allergies? I have read that immune reactions and inflammation can trigger problems. Maybe??

Most of what I read connects allergies and asthma with depression, but you know how we tend to cycle, so what goes down must come up. Here is an article from the New York times about the allergies and depression: Allergies can Increase Risk of Depression
but here is something with links about inflammation preceding bipolar.

Jaspar

My sons both follow the common depression in fall/winter, manic in spring. Their dad is mixed, winter is his worst. More normal February through August. Hopefully you can find some literature on the reverse.