The mania phase of bipolar disorder involves an unusually high level of energy and activity. People may experience racing thoughts, a lower need for sleep, and difficulty concentrating.
Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme mood changes. There are different forms of the disorder, some of which involve shifts from mania to depression.
When someone with bipolar disorder experiences mania, they may have higher than usual energy levels and self-esteem as well as feelings of exhilaration.
Everyone experiences mood changes and varying energy levels, but mania is different from a natural increase in energy or exhilaration.
Mania typically involves some or all of the following symptoms for a period of
- High energy levels: People may move from one activity to the next with many ideas of things that they want to do, such as starting multiple projects and not finishing them.
- Exhilaration: People may have an overly euphoric or elevated mood.
- Irritability: In some cases, individuals experiencing mania are highly irritable.
- Inflated self-esteem: This involves an exaggerated level of self-importance or an unrealistic sense of superiority. A person may think they are capable of supernatural abilities or can achieve impossible things, such as ending all disease.
- Racing thoughts: This may include rapidly changing ideas and an inability to concentrate on one thing.
- Rapid speech: Someone may talk quickly, urgently, or loudly, possibly without making sense. They may not pause to allow anyone else to speak or might say things that are inappropriate for the situation.
- Sleep difficulties: People with mania may have trouble sleeping or feel less need for sleep. They may stay awake for long periods or only sleep for a few hours each night yet report feeling they slept well.
- Impulsive behavior: Mania may lead a person to behave impulsively and take part in potentially dangerous activities. Their actions could include excessive spending, drug misuse, or sexual behavior, for example.
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Mania symptoms in children are typically the same as in adults, but people may notice the effects differently. For example, symptoms may affect a child’s school performance and their ability to make friends or get along with others.
Mania symptoms may also overlap with symptoms of other behavioral or mental health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorders.
If a child or teenager has symptoms of mania, it is a good idea to consult a doctor for a diagnosis to learn whether bipolar disorder is the underlying cause.
The classification of bipolar disorder
Bipolar I disorder
Someone with bipolar I disorder will have at least one manic episode lasting 7 days or more with symptoms present for most of the day nearly every day.
Alternatively, they will have a manic episode that is severe enough to result in hospitalization.
The manic episode may precede or follow a major depressive episode, but this is not necessary for a diagnosis of bipolar I.
Bipolar II disorder
Someone with bipolar II disorder will have less severe symptoms of mania, called hypomania. The hypomanic episode may precede or follow a major depressive episode.
Manic and depressive episodes in bipolar II disorder are less severe than those due to bipolar I disorder.
Cyclothymic disorder
This form of the disorder may also be called bipolar III disorder. It involves periods of hypomania with shifts to periods of depression, none of which are severe enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for a hypomanic episode or major depressive episode.
Mania can affect a person’s daily life and physical health. Consequences of mania symptoms
- physical harm from potentially dangerous impulsive actions
- physical harm to others
- difficulty maintaining friendships and romantic relationships
- difficulty at work or challenges progressing in a career
- hospitalization
- financial complications due to impulsive actions
- disrupted social activities
- changes in school performance
Anyone who suspects that they may have bipolar disorder or could be experiencing a manic episode needs medical attention.
Mania can affect a person’s ability to function. It can also lead to impulsive behavior that can have severe consequences and even be life threatening.
People need to seek immediate help if someone with bipolar mania symptoms has thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Treatment for bipolar disorder
Treatment for a manic episode
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Bipolar mania symptoms may include an atypical increase in energy or activity, delusions of grandeur, and racing thoughts.
The type of bipolar disorder depends on the severity and length of a manic episode. Sometimes, symptoms may be so severe that they interfere with work, school, or family life.
The disorder is most common in adults but can also present in children and adolescents. People with symptoms of mania need to consult a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan.