Mania and hypomania - one of these mental states is required to be present in order for a doctor to diagnose bipolar disorder. If you've been diagnosed, or someone you care about has, you've probably seen more than one of the symptoms. It's critical, though, for you to learn about all the possible symptoms in order to recognize them in yourself or your loved one. Often, prompt action is needed, so knowing ahead of time what to look for will be of immense value.
If you're wondering whether you may have bipolar disorder, this lesson will help you identify and evaluate what you're experiencing. You can use the information and understanding you gain to help you decide whether to contact a doctor.
One note: In mania there are additional possible symptoms that aren't present in hypomania. These are the symptoms of psychosis, which will be covered in a future lesson.
1. Overview of Manic and Hypomanic Symptoms
This overview introduces you to the symptoms of mania and hypomania. Although the article is called "symptoms of mania," all the symptoms are possible in hypomania, except, as mentioned, those of psychosis. For friends and family members, I've also talked about which symptoms are easy to spot and which may be more difficult. The article contains the most basic information you need to know. When you've finished reading, use your browser's "back" button to come back and go to the next step.
Overview: Symptoms of mania and Hypomania
2. Important Mania/Hypomania Symptoms in Depth
- Pressured speech
Rapid, virtually nonstop, often loud or emphatic speaking. Full info: What Is Pressured Speech? - Grandiosity
Grandiosity is an exaggerated sense of one's importance, power, knowledge or identity. More information: What Is Grandiosity? - Flight of Ideas
Flight of ideas is a nearly continuous flow of or accelerated speech, with abrupt changes from topic to topic, usually based on understandable associations, distracting stimuli or plays on words. Read more: Flight of Ideas. - Racing Thoughts
Racing thoughts are not just "thinking fast." They are thoughts that just won't be quiet; they can be in the background of other thoughts or take over your consciousness.In-depth info: What Are Racing Thoughts? - Clang associations
Vacation, relation, sensation... motivation, jubilation, excavation. These are examples of clang associations. Learn more: Clang Associations.
3. Recognizing a Manic or Hypomanic Episode
This article gives you examples of many of the important symptoms you've learned about. You can learn from these examples and apply them to your own or your loved one's particular expressions of various symptoms. See how symptoms can appear: How to Recognize a Manic Episode.4. Mania from the Inside
These writings from people who have experienced mania will illuminate your understanding of this mood. Included are two poems and two essays. The third article listed led to the publication of a now famous autobiography.5. Commentary: Mania, Manic, Maniac
I wrote this article because of the media's penchant for showing people with bipolar disorder in the worst possible light. The very few who commit major crimes are the ones who get attention. For decades, TV dramas portrayed bipolar people as violent. Get the facts: Mania, Manic, Maniac.6. Your Chance to Talk
If you experience mania, you can tell others about it on these two pages. If you're learning about bipolar disorder because of a loved one or friend, reading the responses will be enlightening.Questions? Feedback? Post in the About Bipolar Disorder Forums.
