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Are you manic


What Is It, Causes, Triggers, Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

What is mania?

Mania is a condition in which you have a period of abnormally elevated, extreme changes in your mood or emotions, energy level or activity level. This highly energized level of physical and mental activity and behavior must be a change from your usual self and be noticeable by others.

What's considered an “abnormal,” extreme change in behavior and what does it look like?

Abnormal manic behavior is behavior that stands out. It’s over-the-top behavior that other people can notice. The behavior could reflect an extreme level of happiness or irritation. For example, you could be extremely excited about an idea for a new healthy snack bar. You believe the snack could make you an instant millionaire, but you’ve never cooked a single meal in your life, don’t know a thing about developing a business plan and have no money to start a business. Another example might be that you strongly disagree with a website “influencer” and not only write a 2,000-word post but do an exhaustive search to find all the websites connected to the influencer so you can post your letter there too.

Although these examples may sound like they could be normal behavior, a person with mania will expend a great deal of time and energy including many sleepless nights working on projects such as these.

What is a manic episode?

A manic episode is a period of time in which you experience one or more symptoms of mania and meet the criteria for a manic episode. In some cases, you may need to be hospitalized.

Can I have a manic episode as its own condition or is it always part of another mental health condition?

Technically if you have a manic episode, you have a mental health condition. Mania can be a part of several mental health conditions including:

  • Bipolar I disorder (the most common condition for mania to occur).
  • Seasonal affective disorder.
  • Postpartum psychosis.
  • Schizoaffective disorder.
  • Cyclothymia.

What is bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar I disorder is a mental health illness in which a person has major high and low swings in mood, activity, energy and ability to think clearly. To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, you have to have at least one episode of mania that lasts for at least seven days or have an episode that is so severe that it requires hospitalization.

Most people have both episodes of both mania and depression, but you don’t have to have depression to be diagnosed with mania. Many people with a bipolar I disorder diagnosis have recurring, back-to-back manic episodes with very few episodes of depression.

What are the triggers of manic episodes?

Manic episode triggers are unique to each person. You’ll have to become a bit of a detective and monitor your mood (even keeping a “mood diary”) and start to track how you feel before an episode and when it occurs. Ask family and close friends who you trust and have close contact with to help identify your triggers. As outside observers, they may notice changes from your usual behavior more easily than you do.

Knowing your triggers can help you prepare for an episode, lessen the effect of an episode or prevent it from happening at all.

Common triggers to be aware of include:

  • A highly stimulating situation or environment (for example, lots of noise, bright lights or large crowds).
  • A major life change (such as divorce, marriage or job loss).
  • Lack of sleep.
  • Substance use, such as recreational drugs or alcohol.

What happens after a manic episode?

After a manic episode, you may:

  • Feel happy or embarrassed about your behavior.
  • Feel overwhelmed by all the activities you’ve agreed to take on.
  • Have only a few or unclear memories of what happened during your manic episode.
  • Feel very tired and need sleep.
  • Feel depressed (if your mania is part of bipolar disorder).

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of mania?

Symptoms of a manic episode
  • Having an abnormally high level of activity or energy.
  • Feeling extremely happy or excited — even euphoric.
  • Not sleeping or only getting a few hours of sleep but still feeling rested.
  • Having inflated self-esteem, thinking you’re invincible.
  • Being more talkative than usual. Talking so much and so fast that others can’t interrupt.
  • Having racing thoughts — having lots of thoughts on lots of topics at the same time (called a “flight of ideas”).
  • Being easily distracted by unimportant or unrelated things.
  • Being obsessed with and completely absorbed in an activity.
  • Displaying purposeless movements, such as pacing around your home or office or fidgeting when you’re sitting.
  • Showing impulsive behavior that can lead to poor choices, such as buying sprees, reckless sex or foolish business investments.
Psychotic symptoms of a manic episode
  • Delusions. Delusions are false beliefs or ideas that are incorrect interpretations of information. An example is a person thinking that everyone they see is following them.
  • Hallucinations. Having a hallucination means you see, hear, taste, smell or feel things that aren’t really there. An example is a person hearing the voice of someone and talking to them when they’re not really there.

How long does a manic episode last?

Early signs (called “prodromal symptoms”) that you’re getting ready to have a manic episode can last weeks to months. If you’re not already receiving treatment, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last between three and six months. With effective treatment, a manic episode usually improves within about three months.

What causes mania?

Scientists aren’t completely sure what causes mania. However, several factors are thought to contribute. Causes differ from person to person.

Causes may include:

  • Family history. If you have a family member with bipolar illness, you have an increased chance of developing mania. This isn't definite though. You may never develop mania even if other family members have.
  • A chemical imbalance in the brain.
  • A side effect of a medication (such as some antidepressants), alcohol or recreational drugs.
  • A significant change in your life, such as a divorce, house move or death of a loved one.
  • Difficult life situations, such as trauma or abuse, or problems with housing, money or loneliness.
  • A high level of stress and an inability to manage it.
  • A lack of sleep or changes in sleep pattern.
  • As a side effect of mental health problems including seasonal affective disorder, postpartum psychosis, schizoaffective disorder or other physical or neurologic condition such as brain injury, brain tumors, stroke, dementia, lupus or encephalitis.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is mania diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history, family medical history, current prescriptions and non-prescription medications and any herbal products or supplements you take. Your provider may order blood tests and body scans to rule out other conditions that may mimic mania. One such condition is hyperthyroidism. If other diseases and conditions are ruled out, your provider may refer you to a mental health specialist

To be diagnosed with mania, your mental health specialist may follow the criteria of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5. Their criteria for a manic episode are:

  • You have an abnormal, long-lasting elevated expression of emotion along with a high degree of energy and activity that lasts for at least one week and is present most of the day, nearly every day.
  • You have three or more symptoms to a degree that they’re a noticeable change from your usual behavior (four symptoms if your mood is only irritable). (See the symptoms section of this article for a list of the symptoms used as criteria.)
  • The mood disturbance is severe enough to cause significant harm to your social, work or school functioning or there’s a need to hospitalize you to prevent you from harming yourself or others, or you have psychotic features, such as hallucinations or delusions.
  • The manic episode can’t be caused by the effects of a substance (medications or drug abuse) or another medical condition.

Management and Treatment

How is mania treated?

Mania is treated with medications, talk therapy, self-management and family and friends support.

Medications

If you have mania only, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antipsychotic medication, such as ariprazole (Abilify®), lurasidone (Latuda®), olanzapine (Zyprexa®), quetiapine (Seroquel®) or risperridone (Risperdal®).

If you have mania as part of a mood disorder, your provider may add a mood stabilizer. Some examples include lithium, valproate (Depakote®) and carbamazepine (Tegretol®). (If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your provider know. Valproate can increase the chance of birth defects and learning disabilities and shouldn’t be prescribed to individuals who are able to become pregnant.)

Sometimes antidepressants are also prescribed.

Talk therapy (psychotherapy)
  • Psychotherapy involves a variety of techniques. During psychotherapy, you’ll talk with a mental health professional who'll help you identify and work through factors that may be triggering your mania and/or depression (if you’re diagnosed with bipolar I disorder).
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy can be useful in helping you change inaccurate perceptions that you have about yourself and the world around you.
  • Family therapy is important since it’s very helpful for your family members to understand your behavior and what they can do to help.

Ask your provider for contact information for local support groups. You might find it helpful to talk with people with similar medical experiences and share problems, ideas for coping and strategies for living and caring for yourself.

Other treatments

Electroconvulsant therapy (ECT) may be considered in rare cases in individuals who have severe mania or depression (if bipolar). ECT involves applying brief periods of electric current to your brain.

Prevention

What steps can I take to better cope with or manage my mania?

Although episodes of mania can’t always be prevented, you can make a plan to better manage your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse when you feel a manic episode may be starting.

Some ideas to try during this time include:

  • Avoid stimulating activities and environments – such as loud or busy places or bright places. Instead, choose calm and relaxing activities and environments.
  • Stick to routines. Go to bed at a set time, even if you’re not tired. Also, stick to the same times for eating meals, taking medications and exercising.
  • Limit the number of social contacts to keep you from getting too stimulated and excited.
  • Postpone making any major life decisions and big purchases.
  • Avoid people and situations that might tempt you to make poor or risky choices, such as taking recreational drugs or drinking alcohol.
  • Consider selecting someone to manage your finances during a manic episode.

If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, tell family or friends, call your healthcare provider or contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Counselors are available 24/7.

Outlook / Prognosis

What outcome can I expect if I’ve been diagnosed with mania?

If your mania is related to a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, this is a lifelong disease. Although there’s no cure for mania, medication and talk therapy (psychotherapy) can manage your condition in most cases.

Living With

How can I involve family and friends in understanding my mania?

It’s important to have an honest conversation with your family and closest friends.

  • Let your family and friends know what you do and don’t find helpful. For example, if you’d appreciate a friendly reminder about taking your daily medications or a question about if you are getting enough sleep, let them know. On the other hand, if you don’t like always being asked if your current state of happiness is a sign you’re having a manic episode, discuss this.
  • Ask your family and friends if they can help identify your triggers if you can’t. They may be able to spot triggers that you can’t spot yourself. Ask what they’ve noticed or any patterns they may see around the times of your episodes. As soon as you recognize an early sign, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider. You may or may not need a medication adjustment. However, it’s good to be on alert since your symptoms could rapidly change.
  • Describe how your symptoms feel to you. Your family and friends will have a better understanding of your condition.
  • Let family and friends know what type of help you’d like from them and when you’d like it. There may be times when you feel you can cope on your own. Knowing the difference will be helpful for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is acute mania?

Acute mania is the manic phase of bipolar I disorder. It is defined as an extremely unstable euphoric or irritable mood along with an excess activity or energy level, excessively rapid thought and speech, reckless behavior and feeling of invincibility.

What is unipolar mania?

Unipolar mania is a disorder in which only excitement, excess activity or energy level and euphoric symptoms are seen. This is a rare condition.

What’s the difference between mania and hypomania?

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. The criteria that healthcare professionals use to make the diagnosis of either hypomania or mania is what sets them apart. The differences between these two conditions are as follows:

ManiaHypomania
How long the episode lasts.At least one week.At least four consecutive days.
Severity of episode.Causes severe impact on social or work/school functioning.Not severe enough to significantly affect social or work/school functioning.
Need for hospitalization.Possibly.No.
Psychotic symptoms present (delusions or hallucinations).Is among possible symptoms.Can’t be present for a diagnosis of hypomania.

Can my diagnosis change between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder?

No. Once you have a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder — even if you never have another manic episode or a psychotic event (delusions or hallucinations) — your diagnosis can never be changed to bipolar II disorder. You’ll always have a bipolar I disorder diagnosis.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Problems can develop in your social life, work/school functioning and home life when you have symptoms of mania, which include mood swings and an abnormal level of energy and activity. You may require hospitalization if you have severe hallucinations or delusions, or to prevent you from harming yourself or others. It’s important to have a good understanding of mania, mania symptoms, your particular triggers and ways to better manage your manic episodes. Medications, talk therapy and support groups as well as support from your family and friends can help manage your mania. Stay in close contact with all your healthcare providers, especially during times of manic episodes. Your provider will want to see you and may need changes to your medications or dose.

Do I Suffer from Mania? Mania Self Assessment

Bipolar Disorder

Do I suffer from mania? Mania is marked by periods of great excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity. Mania is often symptomatic of a variety of mental health conditions including bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. In addition, manic symptoms can be attributed to various other medical conditions.

Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

Medical ReviewerFarah Fazel, PsyS

Who Is This Mania Quiz For?

Answer the quiz questions below to see if you or a loved one may be suffering from mania, a symptom of bipolar disorder.

Below is a list of questions that relate to life experiences common among people who have experienced mania. Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often you have experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few months.

This quiz is NOT a diagnostic tool. Mental health disorders can only be diagnosed by qualified mental health professionals.

Psycom believes assessments can be a valuable first step toward getting treatment. All too often people stop short of seeking help out of fear their concerns aren't legitimate or severe enough to warrant professional intervention.

Your privacy is important to us. All results are completely anonymous.

Simplify and automate your performance and professional development review process with Alchemer. Please take my survey now

If you think you or someone you care about may be suffering from Mania, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, or any other mental health condition, Psycom.net strongly recommends that you seek help from a mental health professional in order to receive a proper diagnosis and support. For those in crisis, we have compiled a list of resources (some even offer free or low-cost support) where you may be able to find additional help at: https://www. psycom.net/get-help-mental-health.​

What does mania feel like?

Mania is a symptom that is linked to bipolar disorder, says Rudy Nydegger, PhD, ABPP, FNAP, PLLC, professor emeritus of psychology and management at Union College and chief of the Division of Psychology at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY. Bipolar disorder is a chronic or recurrent condition that usually involves the use of medications to stabilize mood and help with depression.

“When people describe how they feel during mania, they say they usually feel out of control and often don't remember things that they have done,” Dr. Nydegger says. “They may feel euphoric, with lots of energy and a decreased need for sleep.” And, he adds, they may engage in impulsive behavior: "For instance, they may buy things that they would not normally buy.”

With mania, the person can be easily distracted or annoyed, talk very fast, and feel like their mind is racing, Dr. Nydegger says.

What triggers mania?

Bipolar disorder, including mania, may just emerge spontaneously, says Rudy Nydegger, PhD, ABPP, FNAP, PLLC, professor emeritus of psychology and management at Union College and chief of the Division of Psychology at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY: “It could be in response to severe stress or to changes in a person’s life. ”

If your parents or siblings have bipolar disorder, your chances of developing it are increased. But the role of genetics is not hard and fast, and a child who has family relatives with bipolar disorder may never develop it. Even if one identical twin develops the disorder, the other may not, studies of identical twins show.1

How a person handles stress may play a role in the development of bipolar disorder. Brain structure may also come into play here. Although brain scans cannot be used to diagnose bipolar disorder, researchers have identified changes in the size or the activation of some brain structures in individuals who live with bipolar disorder. A stressful event such as a death in the family, divorce, or financial problems can trigger a manic episode.2

“Manic episodes can also emerge in response to the use of antidepressant medications,” Dr. Nydegger says. For this reason, he explains, when a person with mania and depression is being treated, it is important to manage the mania with mood-stabilizing medications first before introducing any antidepressants.

What is the difference between mania and hypomania?

“Hypomania is like a milder form of mania and does not involve psychotic or bizarre symptoms,” says Rudy Nydegger, PhD, ABPP, FNAP, PLLC, professor emeritus of psychology and management at Union College and chief of the Division of Psychology at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY. “But while it is milder, there is still impulsiveness such as overspending and irresponsible behavior.”

Mania is linked to a couple of different forms of bipolar disorder, Dr. Nydegger says. In Bipolar 1 Disorder, there must be symptoms of mania and also major depression. In Bipolar 2 Disorder, the person must have major depression and hypomania. With both forms of bipolar disorder, medication alone is not usually enough.

“Psychotherapy along with medication is usually the treatment of choice,” Dr. Nydegger says.

There are other differences between mania and hypomania. Mania lasts for a week, while hypomania lasts for at least four days. Psychotic symptoms are present with mania, but not with hypomania. Mania definitely interferes with a person’s ability to function at work and school, while hypomania usually is not severe enough for this to happen. With mania, the person may be hospitalized but with hypomania, hospitalization is not necessary. Overall, hypomania is milder and of shorter duration than mania.3

How can I come down from mania?

First off, think in terms of prevention. Ask close friends or trusted family members to help you identify your triggers. They might spot triggers that you can’t spot yourself. You can ask what they may have noticed in terms of any patterns of behavior around the time of an episode of mania. Let your friends and your family know what kind of help you would like from them, and when you would like it. At times, you may be able to cope on your own but at other times, you may want them to be involved.

You may want to keep a “mood diary” and track how you feel before an episode of mania. Among the common triggers are lack of sleep, a major life change like divorce or job loss, a very stimulating situation or environment (such as large crowds and bright lights), and substance abuse, like recreational drugs or alcohol. If you recognize an early sign of mania, make an appointment to see your health care provider. You may need a medication adjustment.

If you have an episode of mania, medications, talk therapy, and support from your family and friends can help you manage it. During manic episodes, it is important to stay in close contact with all your health care providers. Your provider may want to see you in order to make some changes in your medication.3

  1. National Alliance for Mental Illness. Bipolar Disorder. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder
  2. National Alliance for Mental Illness. What is mania, and what does it mean to have a manic episode? Here’s what experts say. https://www.nami.org/Press-Media/In-The-News/2021/What-Is-Mania-and-What-Does-It-Mean-to-Have-a-Manic-Episode-Here-s-What-Experts-Say?feed=In-the-news
  3. Cleveland Clinic. Mania. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21603-mania

Notes: This article was originally published January 28, 2022 and most recently updated September 6, 2022.

Which famous maniac do you look like?

Let's estimate the scale of the disaster. How many victims do you have?

Impressive... Well, what do you do in your free time?

Just having fun

Choosing my clothes

Studying everything related to death

Making cunning plans

Why do you think people go to crime at all?

All problems come from childhood

But who knows. In appearance, everyone is so decent ...

Due to mental problems

They are too emotional

What weapon do you prefer?

Anything suitable for strangulation

Sharp objects

Pistol

A whole arsenal

Why haven't you been found yet?

I pretend to be a cheerful person, the soul of the company

I give the impression of a polite and tidy person. You won't find fault

I have a doctor's note. The sick are not touched

I know how to cover my tracks

Which of these images inspire you in your work?

What attracts you the most?

Other people's fears

Blood. Lots of blood

Crazy fun, parties

Beautiful people

How would you rate your health?

More alive than all the dead. It will do

You won’t take me just like that

Eternal lack of sleep

I am an athlete, but it’s more profitable to show weakness

Describe your typical evening:

Socializing, partying, making new friends

No fun at night. Only work

Slowly linge crazy

I walk through the forests and parks in search of victims

Choose a nickname:

Clown killer

Nylon killer

vampire

Ripper

John Wayshi

In the USA this mania known as the "Killer Clown". He had problems since childhood, all because of his father's alcoholism and aggressiveness. In a clown costume, he participated in holidays and fun events, looking for a victim on them and taking her home. Then he tortured and raped for a long time. The torture was accompanied by reading passages from the Bible. Horrible, right? And what result will your friends get? Share your test with them!

Robert Bundy

American serial killer known as the Nylon Killer. He always looked like a needle, was friendly with everyone. But under the guise of a charismatic gentleman, the face of a cruel beast was hidden. Enticing the unfortunate, he often pretended to be an invalid and asked them for a little help. Horrible, right? And what result will your friends get? Share your test with them!

Richard Trenton Chase

Nickname "Vampire from Sacramento" - he drank the blood of his victims, washed himself with it and ate parts of the bodies of those killed .. For only one month at 1977 in northern California killed seven people. Chase suffered from schizophrenia, and preferred a semi-automatic pistol as a weapon. Horrible, right? And what result will your friends get? Share your test with them!

Andrei Chikatilo

Perhaps the most famous serial killer in the Soviet Union. In 1978-1990, he committed 53 proven murders in the Rostov region. The maniac himself claimed to have committed 56 murders. His victims were mostly young people of both sexes and very young children. Moreover, he killed, being a very emotional sadist. For a long time he deftly evaded the investigation. Horrible, right? And what result will your friends get? Share your test with them!

Test - What kind of maniac are you?

Author Andrey. Test Type: Personality Test. Category: Psychological.

What kind of maniac are you?

Too often serial killers turn out to be ordinary and inconspicuous people. One gets the idea that we are all a bit of that ... And under certain circumstances, the maniac calmly waits in the wings. If you are wondering what kind of animal is dozing inside you, then go ahead and take the test.

Test start:

  • <
  • 1
  • 2 9Were you bullied at school

    Answer options:

    • There were cases when I was treated cruelly
    • Yes, I was often mocked and laughed at
    • I had the opportunity to offend anyone on my own
    • No, I managed to be friends with the majority
Are you brothers or sisters?

Answer options:

  • No
  • Yes

When did you have your first sexual intercourse?

Answer options:

  • Under 35
  • Under 18
  • Under 25
  • I am a virgin/virgin

Answer options:

  • Yes
  • No

On what basis can you think: "I'm going to kill someone"?

Answer options:

  • Strong stress and fatigue
  • This is my usual condition
  • Under the influence of alcohol/drugs
  • During a dispute or conflict

Do you like children?

Answer options:

  • Yes
  • No

What will be in your hands at that very moment?

Answer options:

  • Nothing, everything can be done by hand
  • Knife or other edged weapon
  • Pistol or other firearm
  • Syringe with drugs or poison

How do you feel when you see blood?

Answer options:

  • Excellent, even becoming calmer
  • Very unpleasant
  • Normal, nothing terrible
  • No emotions

Do you consider yourself a healthy and adequate person?

Answer options:

  • Sometimes I feel like I'm crazy
  • No
  • Yes
  • Sometimes I feel like I'm normal

Would you let a stranger into your house knowing he had nowhere to go?

Answer options:

  • Yes
  • No

Results are being calculated

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