Hypomania and mania are both characteristic features of bipolar disorder. They represent distinct phases of the disorder, with mania being more severe than hypomania. Let's look at the symptoms of each:
Hypomania:
- Elevated mood: Feeling unusually happy, euphoric, or cheerful.
- Increased energy: Having a surplus of energy and feeling highly active.
- Reduced need for sleep: Feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep or having difficulty falling asleep.
- Racing thoughts: Having a flood of ideas and thoughts, sometimes leading to difficulty focusing.
- Increased talkativeness: Speaking rapidly and often excessively.
- Increased self-esteem or grandiosity: Having an inflated sense of self-worth or believing in one's abilities more than usual.
- Increased goal-directed activity: Being more goal-oriented and engaging in various activities simultaneously.
- Risky behavior: Engaging in activities that have a high potential for negative consequences, such as reckless spending, promiscuity, or substance abuse.
Mania: The symptoms of mania are similar to those of hypomania but are more severe and can often lead to severe impairment in daily functioning. Additionally, some of the symptoms can become more extreme during a manic episode, including:
- Extreme irritability: Feeling easily agitated or irritated by even minor things.
- Psychosis: In severe cases, a person may experience delusions or hallucinations.
- Disorganized behavior: Exhibiting behavior that is unpredictable, irrational, or impulsive.
- Hospitalization: In severe cases, individuals may require hospitalization to ensure their safety and well-being.
What it's like to experience these symptoms: During hypomanic or manic episodes, individuals often feel an intense surge of energy and excitement. They may have an increased desire to be social and engage in activities they usually wouldn't. Some people might describe the experience as feeling "on top of the world" or invincible. They may be more creative and productive during these periods.
However, as the symptoms escalate, individuals can become overwhelmed by racing thoughts and find it difficult to concentrate. The increased energy and impulsivity can lead to risky decisions and actions with potential negative consequences, which they might not fully comprehend at the time. This can include excessive spending, engaging in unsafe sexual encounters, or taking unnecessary risks.
In severe manic episodes, individuals may lose touch with reality, experiencing psychotic symptoms like delusions or hallucinations. They may become more irritable and agitated, and their relationships and work can suffer as a result.
It's essential to note that while some individuals might enjoy the initial euphoria of hypomania or mania, the consequences of these episodes can be distressing and harmful to themselves and others. These manic phases are typically followed by periods of depression in bipolar disorder, forming the characteristic cycle of the condition. Proper diagnosis, treatment, and support are crucial to managing bipolar disorder effectively. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it's essential to seek professional help as soon as possible.