Hypomania is a type of mood episode often found in bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. A hypomanic episode occurs within a distinct period of time and lasts for at least four days. If a hypomanic episode happens in the context of bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, then specifiers, or descriptive labels, can be applied to describe a person's mood patterns. One of these specifiers is called rapid cycling.
Hypomanic Episode
A hypomanic episode is a period of elevated or irritable mood that is obviously different from a person's usual mood. Symptoms of hypomania include inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, more talkative or pressured speech, racing ideas or thoughts, distractibility, increase in activity or movement, and increased involvement in pleasurable activities that are likely to have negative consequences---for instance, reckless sexual behavior. Typically, these symptoms are not severe enough to significantly interfere with a person's functioning, and are not accompanied by psychotic symptoms. This change in mood must exist for reasons other than substance use or a medical condition.
A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode. The main difference is that in a manic episode, a person's occupational or social functioning is severely impacted, and the person may require hospitalization. Psychotic symptoms may be present in a manic episode.
How Hypomania Relates to Bipolar I and II Disorders
A hypomanic episode can be a part of the pattern of symptoms of bipolar I or II disorder. To meet the criteria for bipolar I, a person needs to have a history of manic, major depressive or mixed episodes. Mixed episodes include both manic and depressed episodes. For bipolar II disorder, there needs to be a history of a major depressive episode with no manic or mixed episodes, along with at least one hypomanic episode.
Rapid-Cycling Specifier
The rapid-cycling pattern in bipolar I or II disorders is characterized by at least four mood episodes in the past 12 months. These episodes can be major depressive, manic, mixed or hypomanic episodes.
Hypomania with Rapid Cycling
A person experiencing hypomanic episodes with rapid cycling within bipolar I or bipolar II disorder would exhibit at least three of the symptoms for hypomania, and would have at least four mood episodes within a year.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders";th Edition; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: Understanding Bipolar Disorder Fact Sheet
Member Comments