Bipolar mania is one phase of bipolar disorder. It is marked by intense euphoria, increased energy, agitation, restlessness, grandiosity, and a reduced need for sleep.
In some cases, bipolar mania can also cause aggressiveness, delusions, and hallucinations. These symptoms can be severe and may require urgent medical care.
Hypomania is a milder form of mania. It causes less severe symptoms and usually interferes less with daily life, but it can still involve excessive talking, increased motivation, impatience, greater sociability, initiative, and more energy for everyday activities.
Main symptoms
Bipolar mania and hypomania can cause feelings of euphoria that are much stronger than expected for the situation. The main symptoms differ by type and may include:
1. Bipolar mania
A manic episode may include the following symptoms:
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Unusually elevated or euphoric mood
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Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
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Excessive talking
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Racing thoughts or rapid shifts between ideas (flight of ideas)
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Increased distractibility
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Heightened activity, restlessness, or energy
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Reduced control over behavior
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Engagement in high-risk activities (e.g., impulsive spending, poor financial decisions, increased sexual activity)
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Irritability or aggression
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Possible delusions or hallucinations
To be classified as mania, at least three of these symptoms must be present. They should last for at least four days, occur most of the day, or be severe enough to require hospitalization.
These symptoms are typically intense and disruptive, often impairing social and occupational functioning. Bipolar mania is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
2. Hypomania
Hypomania presents symptoms similar to mania, but less severe. The main signs include:
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Elevated or euphoric mood
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Increased creativity
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Reduced need for sleep (e.g., feeling rested after about 3 hours of sleep)
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Talking more than usual or feeling unusually talkative
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Racing thoughts
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Increased distractibility
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Agitation or higher energy levels
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Greater tendency to engage in activities that require caution, such as excessive spending, risky financial decisions, or increased sexual activity
Hypomania symptoms typically do not disrupt social or work functioning and are not associated with delusions or hallucinations. Episodes are usually short, lasting about one week.
Because the symptoms are mild and do not require hospitalization, hypomania can go unnoticed. As a result, some individuals may be diagnosed and treated only for depression, since the elevated mood is not recognized.
Confirming a diagnosis
An episode of mania or hypomania is diagnosed by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. They will evaluate the symptoms reported by the patient or by people close to them.
It is also important for the doctor to carry out assessments and tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These can include hormonal changes, side effects of medications (such as corticosteroids), illicit drug use, and mental health conditions like schizophrenia or personality disorders.
Treatment options
Treatment for bipolar disorder is usually managed by a psychiatrist. According to the American Psychiatric Association, treatment may include mood-stabilizing medications, such as lithium or divalproex sodium, for example.
Antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol (Haldol), quetiapine (Seroquel), or olanzapine (Zyprexa), may also be prescribed to help calm behavior and reduce symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations.
Psychotherapy with a psychologist is very useful for helping the patient and their family cope with mood changes. Anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed in cases of severe agitation.
In severe cases, or when symptoms do not improve with treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be recommended.