Bipolar I and bipolar II disorders were once diagnosed together as manic depression. Both disorders are defined by mood changes that swing between depression and overly energetic and ambitious states called mania or hypomania. Hypomania is less severe than mania and typically occurs in those diagnosed with bipolar II. Mania is often associated with bipolar I. To meet the criterion for a manic episode, at least three symptoms must be present for a minimum of one week. In addition, according to the 2000 American Psychiatric Association diagnostic manual, the symptoms must cause a significant disruption in a person's ability to work, socialize, or attend school.
Inflated Self-Esteem
An inflated self-esteem, or grandiosity, is characterized by improbable "claims to fame" concerning future plans, business deals and people the manic person has met or calls friend. Typically, the common thread is an inflated sense of personal power, importance and ability to "make things happen."
Decreased Need for Sleep
People in a manic episode commonly feel rested after sleeping for very little time, according to the American Psychiatric Association. For example, a person may feel refreshed and awake after only three hours of sleep.
Overly Talkative
A person in a manic state may speak so fast that he is difficult to understand. He may also speak in a "pressured" tone as if he has an urgent need to get what he is saying out. It is often impossible to interrupt a person in this state. The manic person may also comment that he feels like his "mind is racing," which is another symptom of mania.
Distractibility
It is difficult to keep this person's attention focused. Typically, he will become distracted by irrelevant details and his own tangential thoughts. Other stimuli, such as noise or temperature, can also be a distraction that the manic person cannot ignore.
Increase in Goal-Directed Behavior
Although working toward goals at work or in personal life is typically a good thing, people in a manic state may take on huge goals and attempt to tackle them all at once. For example, a person in a normal state of mind who is planning on moving may look online to find out what kind of apartments are available in his price range. A manic person, in contrast, may look for apartments, go to the store and buy tons of boxes, and pack the entire downstairs of his current residence.
Impulsive And Risky Behavior
When in a manic state, a person may engage in risky behaviors that usually involve some sort of pleasure-seeking component. For example, he may become promiscuous, engage in gambling, go on shopping sprees, or start shoplifting or stealing.
References
- American Psychiatric Association; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Fourth Edition, Text Revision; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
