Manic Episode Definition, Symptoms and More

By lio

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. NHS Choices, NHS, www.awp.nhs.uk/advice-support/conditions/hypomania-and-mania/.
• 2. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. American Psychiatric Association, 2017, medicaidmentalhealth.org, www.medicaidmentalhealth.org//assets/file/Guidelines/2017-2018 Treatment of Adult Bipolar Disorder.pdf.
• 3. 'Bipolar Disorder.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355955.
• 4. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive Illness or Manic Depression).' Harvard Health, Harvard University, Mar. 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/a/to/z/bipolar-disorder-manic-depressive-illness-or-manic-depression-a-to-z.
• 5. 'Bipolar Disorder: Helping Someone During a Manic Episode.' Bipolar Disorder: Helping Someone During a Manic Episode | Michigan Medicine, www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/aa167725.

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A manic episode is an abnormal sense of well being, energy or irritability that lasts a week or longer. The extreme highs experienced by someone having manic episodes can interfere with decision making, focus and typical behavior. They may engage in risky or harmful actions that damage their reputations and relationships.¹NHS Choices, NHS, www.awp.nhs.uk/advice-support/conditions/hypomania-and-mania/.

A manic episode is not the same as a high caused by drug use or a mood swing caused by another medical disorder. A person can't control having manic episodes, but luckily there is lots of information and potential treatments available to help manage the condition.²Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. American Psychiatric Association, 2017, medicaidmentalhealth.org, www.medicaidmentalhealth.org//assets/file/Guidelines/2017-2018 Treatment of Adult Bipolar Disorder.pdf.

1. Symptoms of Manic Episodes

A person experiencing a manic episode may have an unusually inflated sense of self esteem and motivation. They may work more than usual on goals, their career, school work or at random, seemingly aimless activities. However, they may also have racing thoughts, flightiness, irritability or become easily distracted. Speech can be faster than usual.

A particularly noticeable symptom is that a person in a manic episode may only sleep for a few hours a day. Plans pursued during a manic episode are often unrealistic and the person may over spend, have unsafe or compulsive sex or engage in other risky behavior.²Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. American Psychiatric Association, 2017, medicaidmentalhealth.org, www.medicaidmentalhealth.org//assets/file/Guidelines/2017-2018 Treatment of Adult Bipolar Disorder.pdf.