Everything You Need To Know About Bipolar Mania

What is Bipolar Mania

When it comes to bipolar disorder most people experience episodes of both mania and depression, but you do not need depression to have a diagnosis of mania. Episodes of hypomania and depression are shorter and less intense than mania and depression caused by bipolar I or bipolar II. Bipolar mania is the opposite of bipolar depression. Bipolar mania includes increased energy, Racing thoughts, less need for sleep and more.

The evidence shows that when a person goes through a bipolar episode, it is usually the bipolar mania that happens first. The bipolar mania can last anywhere from a few days to a week or longer. This can include less sleep, hallucinations, excessive spending, excessive sex, very irresponsible behavior and much more. The depression happens after the person crashes from the bipolar mania.

Depressive episodes occur as well, but most people with bipolar II experience periods of stability and normal mood in between the mania and depressive episodes. Sometimes, people experience both manic and depressive symptoms during a single episode. People with bipolar 1, may even have a mixture of depressive and manic symptoms in quick succession. Some children can experience periods with no mood symptoms in-between episodes.

For example, for some, after mania is treated, a normal mood can seem depressed, as they enjoyed the high caused by a mania episode. When experiencing an upshift in mood, you can feel very energetic and be easily aroused.

You might feel high-energy moods (mania or hypomania), low-energy moods (depression), or a combination of the two. When your mood switches to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you might feel euphoric, energetic, or exceptionally irritable. Extreme mood changes may range from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).

Bipolar Mania and Bipolar Depression

Bipolar depression is a mood disorder that causes a person to have extreme swings in the mood at times, which may last for weeks at a time. Bipolar disorder, previously called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Bipolar disorder (BPD), formerly known as manic depression, a is a chronic mental health condition that is characterized by extreme changes in mood that may occur over days to weeks at a time. Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that brings with it severe highs and lows of mood, as well as changes in sleep, energy, thought, and behavior.

People living with Bipolar disorder experience extreme periods of highs that are very long-lasting and may interfere with normal functioning, periods of depressive disorder, and may be mentally unstable. While manic episodes in bipolar I Disorder may be serious and dangerous, people living with Bipolar II Disorder may be depressed for longer periods, causing substantial impairment. To be diagnosed with bipolar I, an individual manic episode must be lasting for at least seven days, or it is so severe that it requires hospitalization. Bipolar II Individuals with this type of bipolar disorder have a single major depressive episode lasting at least two weeks.

Bipolar Mania and Other Symptoms

You may have a hypomanic episode or major depressive episode prior to and following at least one manic episode. A manic episode is a period in which you have one or more symptoms of mania and you fit the criteria for having a manic episode (see the section on Syndrome and Diagnosis). Severe bipolar episodes of either mania or depression can involve psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. When individuals present with symptoms of bipolar disorder, as well as experiencing periods of psychosis that are distinct from mood episodes, a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder may be appropriate.

Bipolar disorder, Other specified, Unspecified is when an individual does not meet criteria for bipolar I, II, or Cyclothymic or Cyclothymic disorders, but nevertheless experiences periods of clinically significant aberrant elevations in the mood. Cyclothymic Disorder or Cyclothymia is a chronically unstable mood condition where individuals have experienced hypomania and mild depression for at least two years.

Diagnosing a Bipolar Episode

Because depression is typically the second symptom experienced by someone with bipolar disorder (BPD)–only about 25% experience mania as the first symptom of the condition–many people are misdiagnosed initially. While your GP or GP can provide an initial diagnosis, only mental health professionals have the expertise and skills needed to diagnose BPD reliably. The health provider can then provide a mental health assessment or make a referral to a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker, with expertise in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder. Depending on the type and severity of bipolar disorder a person experiences, he or she may be prescribed a range of different medications for stabilizing mood, helping control depressive episodes (antidepressants), or controlling any symptoms of psychosis that may arise (antipsychotic medications).

These include, for example, bipolar disorder and related disorders that are caused by specific drugs or alcohol, or due to medical conditions, such as Cushing’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. The physician should rule out other disorders, such as schizophrenia and delusional disorder. It is also very common for older adults to have mixed episodes, which means that they show symptoms of manic depression simultaneously. I have included the main symptoms of bipolar mania below.

Bipolar Mania Symptoms

The bipolar mania symptoms below are just a small amount of the main symptoms that people experience when they are in a manic episode.

Extremely high mood
Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme highs and lows in mood. These mood swings may occur several times per day, or even several times per hour. In addition to these mood swings, bipolar patients often experience delusions and hallucinations.
Irritability
Irritability is another symptom of bipolar mania. Patients may become extremely angry and irritable, especially towards loved ones. They may lash out at others verbally or physically.
Increased activity
Patients suffering from bipolar mania may have increased energy levels. They may feel restless and unable to sit still. They may engage in excessive physical activities such as running around, talking excessively, or spending hours online.
Decreased need for sleep
Patients suffering from manic episodes may not require much sleep. Instead, they may spend their nights awake and engaged in various activities.
Poor judgment
Poor judgment is another symptom of bipolar disorder. Patients may make poor decisions regarding money, relationships, work, and school. They may spend recklessly and fail to plan ahead.
Loss of appetite
Loss of appetite is yet another symptom of bipolar manias. Patients may lose interest in food and eat less than usual. They may also skip meals or overeat.
Excessive sex drive
Excessive sex drive is yet another symptom of manic episodes. Patients may have sexual thoughts or fantasies that are inappropriate for their age. They may masturbate frequently or have frequent orgasms.

In a lot of ways, bipolar mania can be the most destructive aspect of the two. Depression has its own negative aspects but it seems that bipolar mania has more negative aspects that can disrupt a persons life. Including their family and finances. If you or someone that you know may be bipolar or suffer from depression, please get help immediately.