Manic Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Being healthy in our mind and body is usually a priority for everyone, and justifiably so, people seek all the care and treatment when needed with physical illnesses. But, when it comes to the ailments of the mind, many people are scared of what others may say. The taboo surrounding mental health conditions may have started to wind down, but that doesn’t change the fact that many people still don’t consider getting treated for mental illnesses. It is because of these limitations, whether imposed by society at large or our apprehensions, that makes people stay in the zone of being mentally ill. 

Another aspect is the lack of awareness related to many mental health conditions. People don’t know what a specific symptom may mean and keep taking the brunt of an illness that can be treated if proper medical care is provided. Today we are going to talk about a psychological disorder that impacts the lives of patients in a negative manner, but they often don’t seek treatment for it.

Bipolar disorder is one such condition that has severe implications for the overall health and functioning of a person. Going through extreme mood swings, ranging from having mania with high energy to low states of being sad and depressed, makes the person live a highly unstable life. The highs are a time that the person may feel that they enjoy as it gives them tremendous amounts of energy and creative breakthroughs, but there is also a downside to that aspect. Keep reading on to find out what that is and to learn more about the manic symptoms of this condition. 

Mania is a phase of bipolar disorder that is characterized by an “elevated” high in the mood, behavior, and actions of the person. Hypomania is also a heightened state of energy, which is slightly lower than the manic stage. Both of these phases are in stark contrast with the depressive “lows” that a person feels with this condition. Mania specifically is seen in Type I of bipolar disorder, wherein the mood of the person is abnormally heightened; they are in a hyperactive state and also feel the need for significantly less sleep.  

Bipolar mania, if left untreated, can heavily impact your ability to function on a daily basis, and the situation can even spin out of control. When one is able to recognize the symptoms, that is, when they start taking the first meaningful step towards treatment, and then it becomes possible to control and manage this condition. As treatment is necessary for the condition to be kept under control, it is suggested that expert medical advice and care be taken for the best results so that one is able to live with reduced symptoms.

A Quick Overview

This ailment is a serious psychological health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including states of emotional highs (mania and hypomania) and lows (depression). It was formerly also known as manic depression. It is a lifelong condition, but a proper treatment plan can manage the mood swings and other related symptoms. The condition is mainly treated by medications and psychotherapy, and the right strategy will be devised by a mental health professional specializing in treating this ailment. 

When a person experiencing this goes through the depressive states, they feel extremely sad and hopeless, losing interest in most activities. In contrast, when they go through a manic state, they have a euphoria of sorts, can be unusually irritable, and are full of energy. Switching between these extreme states leads to changes in energy levels, sleep, activity, behavior, judgment, and the ability to think clearly. These mood swings may occur rarely or can happen multiple times in a year. People may also experience emotional symptoms, but not everyone goes through them. This condition has low points, but to focus on the manic side, we are going to discuss the symptoms of mania in this article.

Symptoms of Mania

This is the heightened state of bipolar disorder that makes people hyperactive. Some people with the condition even try to take advantage of this state, becoming highly productive and creative in their work and school. But as soon as that active state wears off, the depressive one comes, making people go into a slumber of inactivity. Such extreme changes are not good for the overall health of the person, and mental health takes a big blow. Some of the major symptoms are discussed below for you to better understand the condition:

Disoriented or Racing Thoughts

The changes in the thought patterns that occur during mania can be easily detected by the people who live in close proximity to the person. These changes usually manifest in terms of sudden bursts of creative insights, which may be considered a breakthrough or epiphany by some. The thinking tends to become disjointed and disoriented, having rapid and racing thoughts. People may also experience a quick succession of thoughts that look like they are shooting one from another.

Delusions and Hallucinations

Collectively known as psychosis, delusions, and hallucinations affect people during the manic as well as depressive states. Psychosis is a severe symptom that requires medical attention and may even lead to hospitalization as the person takes a break from reality. They may believe in things that do not exist, have delusions, or hear, smell, touch, taste, see or feel things that are not real (hallucinations). They may also become fearful of the things that do not exist (paranoia). 

When psychosis happens during the manic stage, people may start believing that they have superpowers and engage in reckless behavior that can prove to be fatal. In the depressive state, though, psychosis shows up in the form of a fear that someone is out there to harm you.

Impulsivity and Reckless Behavior

Due to impaired thinking and psychosis, people also tend to have an impaired sense of judgment, which doesn’t let them behave in a responsible manner. Casual observers may look at it as a momentary lapse of judgment or a sudden burst of daring, goodwill, generosity, or passion. The behavior can at times also be risky, hurtful, and dangerous for themselves and their loved ones. People may get into gambling or extravagantly spend on gifts given to friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Episodes of reckless behavior, inappropriate humor, and hypersexuality can also be seen in people dealing with this condition.

Bursts of Energy or Anger

During the manic state, people can have a sudden burst of energy or anger. Having a rush of energy is a different thing, but having a relentless, prolonged, and overwhelming surge of energy cannot be considered normal. In the case of bipolar disorder, the upsurge can switch off as quickly as it is turned on. And these extreme shifts can lead to various problems.

Incoherent or Rapid Speech

This symptom of incoherent and rapid speech is the one that can be easily detected by people around the patient. During the manic episode, speech may become so incoherent and rapid that the person may be described as having a “motor mouth.” They have a fast and pressured speech wherein the person cannot seem to get enough words out of their mouth. People may also have clang associations, which is a serious condition in which similar sounding words are grouped even if they don’t make any sense. The speech changes are profound to the level that most people cannot comprehend what that person is trying to say.

Sleeplessness

The overactive state of the manic phase makes people sleepless. Intrinsically only, people feel such a heightened energy level that they don’t feel the need to sleep and do not even feel fatigued.

When Should You See a Therapist?

In a lot of cases, people experiencing these symptoms don’t recognize that they have a big issue as they may start enjoying the euphoric state that the high energy times provide, but it should be remembered that after that high of mania, the low of depressive times also comes, and that can lead to many complications in your life including the ones related to your work, school, relationships, and even legal implications. It must be understood that the emotional instability of this condition not only affects your life but also the lives of your loved ones.

This ailment doesn’t go away on its own, and treatment is needed, which can start after the right diagnosis. The DSM states that if a person experiences at least three of the following symptoms for no less than a week, they can be diagnosed with the disorder. Take a look at the following symptoms:

• Engaging in risky activities with an increased interest
• High-level interest in goal-oriented activities
• Flight of ideas stemming from one another
• Being easily distracted from a task at hand
• High self-esteem
• Reduced need for rest and sleep
• Increased rate of speech
• Psychomotor agitation such as hand-wringing and pacing

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be made only by a certified mental health professional. If you or your loved ones have any of the disorder’s symptoms, you should see a doctor so that they can be kept under control. In emergency cases, it may also manifest as having suicidal thoughts and behaviors. When this happens, it is a must that you should go to the emergency room or contact suicidal prevention units and, if possible, also reach out to a loved one. When someone goes through such thoughts, it is also vital that they are not left alone.

Seek Help With Bipolar Mania from a Trusted Provider with Docvita

Serious mental health conditions should also be taken seriously to be able to get better. Health in every aspect of our mind and body should be kept at an optimum state to live a better life. This condition can be managed to reduce the symptoms by proper treatment and care. At Docvita, we have a team of compassionate and certified mental health experts who can give the required medical care. All you need to do is book an online appointment with the specialist available at the time that suits you best.