Warning Signs of Mania

by Kimberly Read

Mania is a hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder. To be more precise, mania is a cluster of symptoms that are associated with one aspect of bipolar disorder. An episode of mania can quickly spiral out of control, causing a great deal of disruption and mayhem for the individual and his or her loved ones. As such, it is important to be familiar with the warning signs of mania.

Fluctuations Between Mania and Depression

Bipolar disorder is a disease -- it is a medical condition that causes psychological problems to such a degree that daily functioning is hampered by the symptoms. (See What Is Bipolar Disorder? for more details.) The most predominant symptoms come together into episodes that are extremes of mood known as mania and depression. These extremes are well beyond the normal mood fluctuations all people experience and are not proportional responses to life events.

It should be noted there is a specific type of bipolar disorder known as bipolar 2 disorder that differs from bipolar disorder slightly because the mania is less severe, known as hypomania.

Red Flag Warning Signs of Mania

There are a number of warning signs of an impending episode of mania. If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, you should be aware of these. By learning these early indicators, red flags will go up before a loved one rockets into a self-destructive whirlwind of mania. These symptoms of mania are organized into broad categories for easier reference:

Increased energy

• Decreased sleep
• Little fatigue
• An increase in activities
• Restlessness

Speech Disruptions During Mania

• Rapid, pressured speech
• Incoherent speech
• Clang associations (which can also occur with other mental conditions)

Impaired Judgment Caused by Mania

• Lack of insight
• Inappropriate humor and behaviors
• Impulsiveness
• Financial extravagance
• Grandiose thinking
• Hypersexuality

Changes in Thought Patterns Due to Mania

• Distractibility
• Creative thinking
• Flight of ideas
• Disorientation
• Disjointed thinking
• Racing thoughts

Mood Changes

• Irritability
• Excitability
• Hostility
• Feelings of exhilaration

Psychosis Associated with Mania

• Hallucinations (not present in hypomania)
• Delusions (not present in hypomania)
• Paranoia (not present in hypomania)
• Increased religious activities

More often than not, those who are close to us will notice our little red flags long before we will. If someone you love is demonstrating symptoms of mania, express concern. And if someone you love expresses concern, listen.