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Bipolar disorder - Management
When should I suspect a hypomanic or manic episode?
- A manic episode is suggested by:
- Abnormally elevated mood, extreme irritability, and sometimes aggression.
- Increased energy, activity, and restlessness, and a decreased need for sleep (e.g. the person feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep).
- Pressure of speech or incomprehensible speech.
- Flight of ideas or racing thoughts.
- Distractibility, poor concentration.
- Increased sexual drive, disinhibition, and sexual indiscretions.
- Extravagant or impractical schemes (e.g. business investments, spending sprees).
- Psychotic symptoms: delusions (usually grandiose) or hallucinations (usually voices speaking directly to the person).
- A hypomanic episode is suggested by symptoms of mania that are not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, with the absence of psychotic features. Such people may present with:
- Mild elevation of mood or irritability.
- Increased energy and activity.
- Feelings of well-being, physical and mental efficiency.
- Increased sociability, talkativeness, and over-familiarity.
- If depressive symptoms are rapidly alternating with hypomanic or manic symptoms, suspect a mixed episode.
In depth
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