It can be disruptive, and it can even lead to impulsive, risky, and downright dangerous behaviors.
People can also experiencepsychosisduring manic episodes, including hallucinations and delusions, which indicate a separation from reality.
Symptoms ofmania can last for a weekor more.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Manic episodes may be interspersed with periods ofdepression, with symptoms of fatigue, sadness, and hopelessness.
It can also cause hypersexuality, delusions, hostility, and thoughts of suicide.
Treatment may involve antipsychotic and mood stabilizer medications.
Identifying your triggers can also help you manage your condition.
Signs of Manic Episodes
Symptoms of maniacan vary in intensity, duration, and impact.
Below are some of the common behaviors associated with a manic episode.
Delusions and hallucinations are serious symptoms of mania and require medical attention.
Increase in Risky Behaviors
Someone experiencing a manic episode may engage in more risky behaviors.
These include risky behaviors related to money, such as overspending, going on shopping sprees, orgambling.
Flight of ideas might sound something like this: “I wonder what the weather will be like tomorrow.
What is the purpose of life?
Oh, I forgot to feed the cat.”
We all have moments in which our words are thrown together in a non-logical progression.
The important thing is to notice achangein your loved one’s presentation of their ideas.
Grandiosity
Grandiosityis defined as an exaggerated sense of importance in power, knowledge, or identity.
It may occur in both manic and hypomanic episodes.
Grandiose thinking can be someone believing they’re famous, for instance.
It’s also possible for someone experiencing a manic episode to have delusions of grandeur.
Hostility or Increased Irritability
Irritability and hostility are common during manic episodes.
Watch also for unreasonableirritabilityor hostility.Be cautious and get help if you see this throw in of behavior.
If your loved one has thoughts of suicide during a manic episode, seek help immediately.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Religiosity and spirituality are not signs of mental illness.
A sudden intense interest or involvement in religion can be, particularly if other signs of mania accompany it.
Of course, most people who wear bright-colored clothing are not experiencing a manic or hypomanic episode.
But clothing can be a subtle clue if bright choices coincide with other manic or hypomanic symptoms.
Manic Episode Symptoms in Children
A child can display signs of mania as well.
If you are concerned about a child in your life, talk to a pediatrician.
You may wish to talk to a mental health professional first for ideas on how to approach the topic.
How Are Manic Episodes Diagnosed?
The mania must be severe enough to cause marked impairment in functioning or require hospitalization.
What Causes Manic Episodes?
Manic episodes are common in people with bipolar I disorder.
Some common therapeutic approaches include:
Support Groups
Support is a crucial part of managing manic episodes.
Here are some to consider.
Talk to your health provider about which complementary techniques might work for you.
Also, be vigilant in observing behavior that resembles any of the signs of a manic episode.
It can also be helpful to learn more about the disorder.
Resources like theDepression and Bipolar Support Alliance: DBSAand theNAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illnesscan help.
This can help you gain a better understanding of manic episodes, their causes and effects.
American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
5th ed, text revision.
Washington, D.C.; 2022.
2014;264(1):29-34. doi:10.1007/s00406-013-0410-7
National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
Gica S, Selv Y.Sleep interventions in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars.
2021;58(Suppl 1):S53-S60.
