Mania as a Symptom of Bipolar Disorder

Mania is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, accompanied by increased activity or energy levels. This state represents one pole of bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, with the other pole being depression.

Characteristics of Mania

A manic episode is diagnosed when an individual experiences a distinct period (at least one week) of the aforementioned mood disturbance for most of the day, nearly every day. This period is also marked by at least three of the following symptoms:

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity: Individuals might experience an exaggerated sense of self-importance, believing they possess exceptional talents or insights.
• Decreased need for sleep: People may feel well-rested after only a few hours of sleep or may go days without feeling tired.
• Increased talkativeness or pressured speech: Speech may be rapid, jumping from topic to topic, and difficult to interrupt.
• Flight of ideas or racing thoughts: Thoughts may race through the individual's mind, making it difficult to focus on any one thing.
• Distractibility: Individuals may be easily drawn away from tasks by irrelevant stimuli.
• Increased goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation: There is a noticeable increase in goal-directed activity (e.g., taking on multiple projects at once) or purposeless, non-goal-directed activity (e.g., pacing or hand-wringing).
• Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities with high potential for painful consequences: Individuals may engage in risky behaviors such as reckless spending, sexual indiscretions, or unwise business investments without considering the potential negative outcomes.

It is important to note that mania can manifest differently in different individuals. Some may experience a more euphoric and energized state, while others might experience prominent irritability and agitation.

The symptoms of mania can significantly impair an individual's ability to function in daily life, potentially leading to relationship problems, financial difficulties, and even hospitalization. Therefore, early identification and treatment of mania are crucial for improving the prognosis of bipolar disorder and enhancing the overall well-being of affected individuals.

Source: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).