What Are Manic Episodes?

By Sheila Wilson

Manic episodes are the defining symptoms of bipolar I disorder. The characteristics of manic episodes are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) which is the book used to diagnose mental illnesses.

The primary symptom of manic episodes is an abnormally elevated mood or irritability. The elevated mood or irritability must be severe enough to necessitate hospitalization or lasts at least one week.

For the mood disturbance to be considered a manic episode, the elevated mood must be accompanied by three other symptoms of mania. If the person has an irritable mood, there must be four other mania symptoms during the mood disturbance for it to me considered a manic episode.

A common symptom of manic episodes is grandiosity or inflated self-esteem. Another symptom is a decreased need for sleep. Often, three hours seems like enough sleep during a manic episode.

Being talkative is a symptom of mania. A manic episode may cause racing thoughts which is observable by others as a flight of ideas.

Distractibility is another common symptom of mania. A person having a manic episode may have difficulty remaining focused on an activity or conversation. Involvement in goals and goal-related activities are often increased during a manic episode.

Many problems that a person has during a manic episode are associated with the last symptom of mania which is an increased involvement of pleasurable activities without considering the consequences. Someone in a manic episode may spend money excessively or become promiscuous due to that symptom.

Hallucinations and delusions can be caused by mania. The hallucinations and delusions reflect grandiosity. The person may believe they have a superpower or are chosen by a higher authority.

Symptoms of mania must not be caused by a medical condition, drugs, or medications if they are to be considered evidence of a manic episode. The symptoms must cause impairment in the persons occupational, educational, or interpersonal functioning to be considered a manic episode. - 27772

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