We’ve all heard the term “mania,” but what does it really mean? Broadly speaking, mania is a condition that causes an extreme uptick in your energy levels and abnormal changes in your mood or behavior. It causes intense bursts of physical and mental activity that might result in racing ideas, excessive talking, lack of sleep, and delusional thinking. Mania is short-term, lasting for about one week, and therefore may also be referred to as a “manic episode.”
When a person is experiencing a manic episode, it’s typically very noticeable. These episodes can be overwhelming and confusing for loved ones who have not witnessed one before. Those experiencing mania will often seem far from reality—they might not be aware it’s even happening—and can be extremely hard to reach.
If you believe your loved one is experiencing a manic episode, or has previously displayed signs of mania, there is likely an underlying mental health problem at bay. Read on to learn more about manic episodes—what they mean, why they happen, and what they look like—as well as what to do if someone you know has experienced mania.
What is a Manic Episode?
A manic episode is a period of intensified mood and abnormally high energy levels. It’s often accompanied by erratic, hyperactive behavior and can trigger delusional thought patterns. Typically lasting for one week or more, mania causes dramatic shifts in a person’s mood and behavior, impacting their ability to function effectively in everyday life.
During a manic episode, a person might:
- Act and feel invincible or on top of the world
- Exhibit rapid and racing thoughts, followed by excessive talking
- Make impulsive decisions, without thinking about consequences
- Take more risks, putting themselves or loved ones in harm’s way
- Be unable or have less of a “need” to sleep
- Be extremely irritable or exhibit angry/violent behaviors
- Display exaggerated or grandiose behaviors
- Experience psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, and a separation from reality
Manic episodes are typically dispersed, happening once or twice per year for those struggling with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. These episodes are often broken up by periods of depression, characterized by low energy, fatigue, sadness, and hopelessness.
Key Characteristics of a Manic Episode
There are certain, tell-tale signs that a person is experiencing mania. Manic episodes are characterized by an elevated yet easily angered mood, an inflated sense of self, as well as hyperactive thoughts, behaviors and energy levels. These characteristics can then trigger a series of side effects, such as:
- Excessive talking
- Racing thoughts and ideas
- Heightened self-esteem
- Hypersexuality
- Feelings of invincibility
- Psychomotor agitation, or taking on a lot of unrealistic projects/tasks
- Distractibility
- Reduced need for sleep
- Delusions or hallucinations (i.e., psychosis)
- Increased hostility and violent behaviors
- Thoughts of suicide
- Risky and impulsive behaviors, such as reckless driving
Mania vs. Hypomania
It’s important to note that a manic episode is different from hypomania. Hypomania is considered a mild version of mania, in that it only lasts for a few days (~4 days) and typically has more manageable symptoms. For example, those experiencing hypomania can usually go about their daily activities; however, their behaviors can be noticeably different from their “norm.” Hypomania might look like excessive talking, increased risk-taking, rapid thinking, being very sociable (without boundaries), and simply being more active than normal. People in a state of hypomania might feel extra energized, confident, and euphoric—but can also feel very disconnected from those around them.
However, if a person is experiencing manic symptoms and requires hospitalization, whether for two days or two weeks, it’s automatically characterized as true mania and not hypomania.
What Causes Manic Episodes?
Mania is almost always caused by an underlying mental health disorder. For example, it is a tell-tale sign of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder may also cause episodes of hypomania and depression.
Bipolar I disorder is associated with manic episodes, while bipolar II disorder will trigger hypomanic episodes. Depressive episodes are common and possible with both conditions. Bipolar I disorder is typically more severe, and can bring about scary symptoms of psychosis during manic episodes.
Other mental health conditions can cause manic episodes, too. For example, schizoaffective disorder is a condition that causes periods of psychosis and mood disorder symptoms. Mania is a common symptom. Hypomania is also a symptom of cyclothymic disorder, a type of mood disorder that also triggers mild, depressive symptoms.
Certain conditions or factors might put a person more at risk of manic episodes, as well. While an underlying mental health issue likely exists, a lack of sleep, ongoing drug abuse, trauma or chronic stress can all increase the likelihood of a manic episode.
According to resources from the National Library of Medicine, mania is a “natural” state. It is not directly caused by medical conditions or substance abuse. However, some conditions can cause symptoms that mirror mania, including hyperthyroidism, brain tumors, neurological infections, multiple sclerosis, and some substance use disorders. Manic symptoms that follow a bout of drug abuse might be categorized as substance-induced psychosis.
What is Manic Depression?
Manic depression is an outdated term, once used to describe what is now bipolar disorder. Manic depression described the chronic mental health condition in which a person would cycle through episodes of extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Today, manic depression is known as bipolar I disorder, if full manic episodes take place, or bipolar II disorder, characterized by hypomanic episodes.
What Happens When a Manic Episode Ends?
Manic episodes last for roughly one week, but can take longer to settle down. When a manic episode ends, a person will typically return to a more stable mood. If they are struggling with bipolar disorder, however, they might shift into another phase of their mood cycle with symptoms of depression. Of course, every person experiences mania (and bipolar disorder) differently. However, the process or cycle of emotions and behaviors might look similar:
Manic episode 🡪 Shift in mood, typically to depressive state or euthymia (normal mood) 🡪 Cognitive aftermath (e.g., exhaustion, embarrassment, confusion) 🡪 External consequences (e.g., damage to relationships, job problems, hospital discharge 🡪 Treatment
Treatment of mania typically follows the same approach as treatment for bipolar disorder. It typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy and medications (such as mood stabilizers) to help prevent future episodes.
Getting Help for Mania and Bipolar Disorder
While it might feel like a one-time occurrence, a manic episode is nothing to ignore. Mania can put a person (and those around them) at risk, and its symptoms can worsen over time when left unaddressed. Mania is usually indicative of serious mental health issues like bipolar disorder, which requires proper treatment and care.
It can feel very overwhelming and scary if you’ve never experienced mania before now. You may not know where to turn for help. Take a deep breath and know that we are here for you. While hospitalization is a common response to mania, it isn’t the only form of treatment. It can help keep you and your loved one safe in this moment, but longer-term solutions are also available.
Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider, with experience in a variety of mood disorders and symptoms of mania. We can help you determine the best course of action. If you choose to pursue mental health treatment, we can help you develop a personalized plan of care, utilizing a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle strategies.
Call 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment specialist today.