Both a manic and a
There are three stages of mania: hypomania, acute mania and delirious mania. Classifications of mania are mixed states, hypomania and associated disorders.
high levels of stress. changes in sleep patterns or lack of sleep. using recreational drugs or alcohol. seasonal changes – for example, some people are more likely to experience hypomania and mania in spring.
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, it's common to experience feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria. If you're experiencing a manic episode, you may talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and be hyperactive. You may also feel like you're all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness.
If they are displaying truly worrisome behaviors, like hallucinations or suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or if they seem unable to care for themselves or seem to be losing complete control of their actions, call 911.
Signs a Manic Episode Is Ending
Slowing down and feeling less urgent and pressured all the time. Feeling more tired and getting more sleep. Being able to think more clearly, even if your memories of the manic episode are fuzzy. Making fewer impulsive decisions.
However, do not argue or debate with someone during a manic episode. Try to avoid intense conversation. Don't take any comments personally. During manic episodes, your loved one may say or do things that are out of character, including focusing on negative aspects of others.
“The best advice I can give to anyone who's loved one is going through mania is to watch their behavior, spend more time with them, try to let them get out all their hyped-up feelings and listen to them, don't make faces that they're crazy or anything.” – Karen R.
Symptoms of a manic episode
Having an inflated self-esteem, thinking you're invincible. Being more talkative than usual. Talking so much and so fast that others can't interrupt. Having racing thoughts — having lots of thoughts on lots of topics at the same time (called a “flight of ideas”).
Untreated, an episode of mania can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months. Depression may follow shortly after, or not appear for weeks or months. Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes.
if you experience hypomania or mania as part of another mental health problem, such as bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder, you may find that the episode is followed by a period of depression.
Don't criticise or accuse, and stay calm and non-confrontational. Explain that you've noticed changes in their behaviour and why it concerns you, and ask if they've noticed it too. If this has happened before, gently remind them of this and explain the pattern you see.
Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms: Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired. Increased activity, energy or agitation. Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
In these psychoses manic and depressive features coexist in the same attack. Their interaction generates complex pictures: elation, grandiosity and boastfulness are manifest simultaneously or give way within minutes to depression, bouts of weeping, delusions of guilt or explosive anger.
Bipolar episodes decrease brain size, and possibly intelligence. Grey matter in the brains of people with bipolar disorder is destroyed with each manic or depressive episode.
But don't argue or debate with a person during a manic episode. Avoid intense conversation. Don't take comments or behaviour personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do.
Detection of mania, or at least of brief hypomania, is required for diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This diagnosis is often missed or not remembered as an illness. People close to the patient may recall episodes, however, and patients who do not remember episodes of affective disturbance may recall their consequences.
A bipolar depression crash is usually the emotional fallout of a hypomanic or manic episode. It can also occur when something triggers bipolar depression or as a result of chemical or hormonal changes in the brain.
“The 'higher' I feel during a manic episode, the 'lower' I feel once it's over,” she says. “Once the episode is over, I often feel overwhelming sadness and regret. I may even experience suicidal thoughts. It's a very difficult thing to deal with, both for me and for those around me.”
Hospitalization gets a bad rap, but sometimes it's the place you need to be during a severe mood episode of mania or bipolar depression.
Hospitalization is considered an emergency option in bipolar disorder care. It becomes necessary in extreme cases where the disorder is causing someone to be an immediate threat to themselves or others. It may also be used when medications need monitoring or adjustment.
Keep trying, asking questions, listening, and reflecting. Help them feel heard and ask again. Continue to say things like, “I'm really worried about you. I'm thinking we should just go get checked out by a doctor to see what's going on.” Reassure them that you'll stay with them and help them through the process.
There isn't any clinical evidence that links bipolar disorder with lying, though some anecdotal accounts suggest there may be a connection. It's thought that some people with bipolar disorder may lie as a result of: racing thoughts and rapid speech.