Mania refers to a distinct period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, along with unusually high energy or activity, that lasts for a sustained period and markedly impacts functioning. It is a core feature of bipolar disorder and can involve a mix of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that feel amplified or disinhibited. Key aspects
- Duration and change from baseline: A manic state typically lasts at least about a week (or shorter if hospitalization is needed) and represents a noticeable shift from how the person usually thinks, feels, or behaves.
- Mood and energy: The mood is often elated, expansive, or highly irritable, paired with markedly increased energy and goal-directed activity.
- Behavior and cognition: People may speak more than usual, jump between ideas rapidly, have racing thoughts, engage in risky or impulsive activities, or show decreased need for sleep without feeling tired.
- Impact: Mania can impair judgment and functioning, strain relationships, and, in severe cases, require medical treatment or hospitalization. Some individuals may experience psychotic symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, during manic episodes.
Common signs you might notice
- Decreased need for sleep (feels rested after only a few hours)
- Increased talkativeness or pressured speech
- Grandiose beliefs or inflated self-esteem
- Racing thoughts or distractibility
- Increased goal-directed activities or risky behaviors (spending sprees, risky sex, gambling)
- Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or judgment that are out of character
Important context
- Mania is not simply “being happy” or having a busy week. It represents a clinically significant mood change that causes distress or impairment and is not attributable to substances or another medical condition.
- Mania can co-occur with psychosis in some cases, which may require urgent medical evaluation.
If you’re asking on behalf of yourself or someone else and you’re seeing signs that suggest mania, especially if there are risks to safety (e.g., reckless behavior, thoughts of harming self or others, inability to sleep with ongoing high energy, or a change in awareness), it’s important to seek professional help promptly. A mental health professional can assess symptoms, determine if they fit a manic episode within the context of bipolar disorder, and discuss appropriate treatment options, which may include medication, psychotherapy, and support for sleep and daily routines. If there is an immediate safety concern, contact emergency services in your area.
