Definition

Mania is an abnormally elated mental state, typically
characterized by feelings of euphoria, lack of inhibitions,
racing thoughts, diminished need for sleep, talkativeness,
risk taking, and irritability. In extreme cases, mania can
induce hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms.

Description

Mania typically occurs as a symptom of bipolar disorder
(a mood disorder characterized by both manic and
depressive episodes). Individuals experiencing a manic
episode often have feelings of self-importance, elation,
talkativeness, sociability, and a desire to embark on goaloriented
activities, coupled with the less desirable characteristics
of irritability, impatience, impulsiveness, hyperactivity,
and a decreased need for sleep. (Note: Hypomania is
a term applied to a condition resembling mania. It is characterized
by persistent or elevated expansive mood, hyperactivity,
inflated self esteem, etc., but of less intensity than
mania.) Severe mania may have psychotic features.

Causes and symptoms

Mania can be induced by the use or abuse of stimulant
drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines. It is also
the predominant feature of bipolar disorder, or manic
depression, an affective mental illness that causes radical
emotional changes and mood swings.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), the diagnostic standard
for mental health professionals in the U.S.,
describes a manic episode as an abnormally elevated
mood lasting at least one week that is distinguished by at
least three of the following symptoms: inflated selfesteem,
decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, racing
thoughts, distractibility, increase in goal-directed activity,
or excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that
have a high potential for painful consequences. If the
mood of the patient is irritable and not elevated, four of
these symptoms are required.

Diagnosis

Mania is usually diagnosed and treated by a psychiatrist
and/or a psychologist in an outpatient setting. However,
most severely manic patients require hospitaliza-
tion. In addition to an interview, several clinical inventories
or scales may be used to assess the patient