Mania, also referred to as a manic episode, is a psychiatric condition characterized by an extremely elevated or irritable mood. During a manic episode, a patient can exhibit extreme euphoria or irritability that can last days, weeks or even months.

Definition

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the word mania describes the activated phase of bipolar disorder. While manic behavior has been diagnosed as a stand-alone symptom, it is most often associated with bipolar disorder.

Diagnostic Standards

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) defines seven symptoms of a manic episode. To meet the DSM-IV criteria, the patient must exhibit three or more of these symptoms (four if the mood is only irritable) for a minimum of one week (fewer if the episode requires hospitalization).

Seven Symptoms

1. Inflated Self-Esteem or Grandiosity 2. Decreased need for sleep 3. More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking 4. Flight of ideas, or subjective experience that thoughts are racing 5. Distractibility 6. Increase in goal-directed activity (socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation 7. Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)

Considerations

Manic episodes and bipolar disorder often go undiagnosed because the symptoms are brushed off as merely "eccentric" behavior. The November 2007 issue of the Harvard Health Letter reports that manic episodes of the disease can come in a milder form, called hypomania, which can feel pleasant but still may lead to irrational behavior.

Famous Ties

Many famous celebrities and historical figures were diagnosed with, or thought to have suffered from, bipolar disorder. Some include Ludwig van Beethoven, Jimi Hendrix, Winston Churchill, and Robin Williams.

Source:

"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition (Text Revision);" American Psychiatric Association; 2000

"Harvard Health Letter;" Misconceptions about Bipolar Disorder Explained; November 2007

National Alliance on Mental Illness