If you're not already receiving treatment, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last between three and six months. With effective treatment, a manic episode usually improves within about three months.
Take medicines as instructed by your doctor to help reduce the number of manic episodes. To help prevent a manic episode, avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol or drug use, and stress. Exercise, eat a balanced diet, get a good night's sleep, and keep a consistent schedule.
Lithium. Lithium remains a highly effective pharmacological treatment for acute mania. For patients with classic mania, which refers to the presence of euphoria, grandiosity and hyperactivity in a person with a stable episodic course, many experts prefer lithium as a first-line medication.
Cold-water fish, nuts, and plant oils are good sources. Some scientists think magnesium has a role regulating mood and both manic and depressive episodes and work with the medications to make them work effectively. As a result, some doctors may recommend magnesium supplements.
Valproic acid (Depakote)
Valproic acid is often the first choice for rapid cycling, mixed mania, or mania with hallucinations or delusions.
The use of amphetamines or cocaine may induce or prolong manic periods with high levels of energy and excitement.
Intoxication with drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can cause or worsen manic symptoms, while the aftereffects of cocaine or alcohol use are associated with worsening depressive symptoms.
Magnesium. Magnesium may help ease manic episode symptoms of irritability, anxiety, and insomnia for people already deficient in it.
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.
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.
You'll typically need mood-stabilizing medication to control episodes of mania or hypomania, which is a less severe form of mania. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).
“Many people think that a person with bipolar disorder doesn't have any control over themselves or that they're unable to take care of themselves or function in society. This simply is not true,” says Ikaika King, who was diagnosed with bipolar II when he was 17.
The results showed that manic episodes led to decreased volume in certain areas of the brain. Bipolar disorder has been linked to various structural brain changes, including most notably progressive grey matter loss in the brain's frontal regions.
As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared. The longer the symptoms continue without treatment, the more likely a person is to experience problems in personal relationships or daily responsibilities.
Lack of sleep increases the risk of having an episode of mania in someone with bipolar disorder. In addition, antidepressants, particularly when taken as the only medication, may also trigger a switch into a manic state. Excessive use of alcohol or drugs can also trigger bipolar symptoms.
Fatigue can come during both mania and depression. It's more than being sleepy. It's feeling so tired that you can't do your normal things. You might feel like you can't function or make it through your day.
Antidepressants “have the propensity to destabilize mood, precipitating both hypomanic and manic episodes”—a phenomenon called antidepressant associated hypomania (AAH).
You might experience hypomania or mania on their own. Or you might experience them as a part of a broader mental health problem. For example, bipolar disorder, postpartum psychosis or schizoaffective disorder. Some of us may find episodes of hypomania and mania enjoyable.