|
Mania (Manic)Mania is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present. Symptoms include: Increased energy, activity, and restlessness Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood Extreme irritability Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another Easily distracted, can’t concentrate well Little sleep, or interrupted sleep Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers Poor judgment Spending sprees A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual Increased sexual drive Abuse of drugs, both street drugs and prescription Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior Denial that anything is wrong A minor manic phase is called hypo mania and is usually experienced by patients who are diagnosed with type 2 bipolar disorder. A moderate to severe level is called a hyper manic phase. This may feel good to the person who experiences it and may even be associated with good functioning and enhanced productivity. Thus even when family and friends learn to recognize the mood swings as possible bipolar disorder, the person may deny that anything is wrong. Without proper treatment, it can become severe in some people or can switch into depression. Many people that experience this type also experience some psychosis. Psychosis is diagnosed when the patient experiences a delusion, that is either audio/visual or an outside idea or presence. These ideas, or hallucinations can seem very real to the patient and are often very frightening. Examples of psychosis include: Audio and or visual hallucinations awareness of an "outside presence" that participates in the patients life in some way. Feelings of "paranoia" such as the patient feeling as though they are being watched, followed, or victim of a conspiracy. Feelings of extreme importance such as the patient believing theyare superhuman, alien, or in an important governmental position.
|
