The Moon Cycles and Bipolar Disorder

Over the last few years I began to notice a pattern in my daughter's manic episodes as well as her changes in moods from high to low. I started doing research on Bipolar Disorder and how they relate to the changes in the cycles of the moon. My lifelong friend, Crystal, whos son also suffers from Bipolar Disorder and ADHD also made a comment to me that also made me question how those with Bipolar, as well as other mood disorders are affected by the cycles of the moon. During the time that the moon is nearing its "Full Phase", we both notice the escalation in mood changes and the onset of hyperactivity and other impulsive behaviors in our children.

Facts About the Moon

The Moon affects everything from tides and to the behavior of animals as well as plants. During a New Moon or Full Moon the sap in plants rise, that is why this is the best time to replant something. It makes sense that the cycle of the moon would also affect people. Take into consideration that our bodies are comprised of 65% water and the moon affects the level of the tides while in different phases throughout the month.

Does It or Doesn't It?

There was an article in Psychology Today, which stated that 81% of health professionals agree that the phases of the moon does affect mental health. http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20050217-000001.html

However, in that same article, there were those who stated that it was more a superstition than fact based. Sort of along the lines of, "If you believe, than anything is possible."

Over the course of twenty months, while working as a Communication Officer (AKA 9-1-1 Operator) for a local jurisdiction it is a fact that during the cycle of a full moon there was an escalated level of calls for things such as domestic disturbances, burglary, vandalism, mental health calls for uncontrollable family members, or members in the community that were under treatment for various mental disorders. I observed this and made mental note of this over the course of those twenty months. I can attest to the fact that the moon does play a part in the actions of people and can also affect their mental state.