What Are Manic Episodes?
Posted on August 2, 2009
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Manic episodes are the defining symptoms of bipolar I disorder. The characteristics of manic episodes are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) which is the book used to diagnose mental illnesses.
Manic episodes cause either an elevated mood or an irritable mood. In order to be considered a true manic episode, the abnormally elevated or irritable mood of manic episodes must either be present for at least one week or be severe enough to require hospitalization.
An elevated mood requires three other manic symptoms during the mood disturbance to be considered a manic episode. The presence of irritability needs to have four other manic symptoms to constitute a manic episode.
A common symptom of manic episodes is grandiosity or inflated self-esteem. Another symptom is a decreased need for sleep. Often, three hours seems like enough sleep during a manic episode.
Someone having a manic episode is often more talkative than usual. Another symptom of mania is racing thoughts or a flight of ideas. This symptom is often noticeable to other people.
Distractibility is another common symptom of mania. A person having a manic episode may have difficulty remaining focused on an activity or conversation. Involvement in goals and goal-related activities are often increased during a manic episode.
The last symptom of manic episodes is excessive participation in pleasurable activities without regard to the possible consequences. The person may be promiscuous, have excessive spending, or do other things that they would not normally do to the extent that they do them during the manic episode.
Manic episodes can cause hallucinations or delusions that are related to the grandiosity associated with mania. The person may have delusions that they are more special than other people. They may believe that they have been chosen by God or have superpowers.
If the symptoms have been caused by drug use, medication, or medical condition, they are not considered symptoms of a manic episode. The symptoms must cause impairment in the persons ability to function at work, school, home, or in relationships for it to be considered a manic episode.
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