A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood accompanied by increased energy or activity. In psychiatry, it’s most often associated with Bipolar I Disorder, but it can also occur due to substances, medical conditions, or other mood disorders.
Here’s a clear breakdown:
Core Features of a Manic Episode
- Duration: At least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization is required).
- Mood: Abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable.
- Activity/Energy: Abnormally increased, goal-directed activity or energy.
Symptoms:
- Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
- Decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after 3 hours)
- More talkative or pressured speech
- Flight of ideas or racing thoughts
- Easily distracted
- Increase in goal-directed activities (work, social, sexual) or psychomotor agitation
- Excessive involvement in risky activities (spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, reckless investments)
Severity
- Severe enough to cause marked impairment in social/occupational functioning, require hospitalization, or involve psychotic features.
- Not attributable to substances use/abuse or another medical conditions.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 