What is the difference between hypomanic and manic episodes

The treatments and ways to manage mania and hypomania are similar. They usually involve medication and therapy as treatment for bipolar disorder.

Mania may require a higher level of treatment, such as a hospital visit if there is a risk of harming yourself or others. The main difference is how intense they are and how significantly they interrupt important parts of your life:. While mania occurs in bipolar I disorder, hypomania can occur in both bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, or cyclothymic disorder. Even though hypomanic episodes are less severe, they can still cause significant distress, and they can be more difficult to spot.

The good news is that there are effective ways to manage manic and hypomanic episodes through treatment and coping strategies. Episodes of mania and hypomania will be different for each person, so your treatment plan and management strategy will be unique to you. When you feel the early symptoms starting, there are ways to prevent them from getting worse.

The International Bipolar Foundation recommends the following:. For long-term management, research shows that medication paired with psychotherapy aka talk therapy results in more successful treatment than just having one form of treatment.

Medications prescribed often include mood stabilizers, antidepressants , and atypical antipsychotics. These are given to reduce the extreme changes in mood. Research has shown that without active and honest acceptance of help, long-term treatment is less effective. Learning more about bipolar disorders and mood episodes through podcasts and books can arm you with greater knowledge and an understanding of what help is available.

Looking for patterns and spotting triggers for your episodes can help you notice and act on them. Identifying these can help you to develop a lifestyle and wellness plan that works for you. In more extreme cases, they may need immediate hospital care.

A person with hypomania may be able to carry on as usual. Family and friends may notice that the individual is acting differently even if the person does not realize it is happening.

However, they should still seek medical help for their condition to prevent the symptoms worsening. One study found that people were more likely to engage in risky behavior during hypomanic episodes.

This included spending large amounts of money, using alcohol or drugs excessively, dangerous driving, or engaging in risky, sexual behavior. People experiencing mania but not hypomania may also have delusions, hallucinations, or manic stupor. If a person does not receive effective treatment for hypomania, they may be at risk of it developing into mania, although this is not always the case. The symptoms of both mania and hypomania involve feeling very happy, on an emotional high, and feeling more energetic and creative.

In some cases, an episode of mania or hypomania can be mixed with one of depression. Specialists call this a mixed features episode. When this mix happens, a person may feel energized while also feeling depressed, hopeless, or empty. Certain life events or activities can cause an episode of mania or hypomania. These episodes are called triggers. A small-scale study on a group of young people who had bipolar disorder found that triggers for mania and hypomania included:.

Another study found the following factors could also trigger mania:. If a person notices mood changes that seem to be stronger than normal, they should see a healthcare professional. Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose, but a comprehensive health history, physical exam, and discussion of moods and symptoms can help.

If a friend or family member appears to have symptoms of mania or hypomania, those closest to them may want to talk to them about seeing a doctor and getting treatment.

There is no cure for mania or hypomania, but people can manage their symptoms with medication and talking therapies. You might also want to avoid too much caffeine. Mania and hypomania can be managed. Learn to recognize triggers so you can avoid them. By charting your moods , you might be able to spot early warning signs. For instance, if you learn to spot the early warning signs of a manic episode, you can work with your doctor to keep it under control.

If you have bipolar disorder, treatment is key. It might even be a good idea to get your family involved in therapy. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, tell your family or doctor right away. You can join a support group for people with bipolar disorder. However, you can take steps to lessen the effects of an episode. Maintain your support systems and use the coping strategies listed above. Above all, stick with your treatment plan.

Take your medications as prescribed and keep an open line of communication with your doctor. Working together, you and your doctor can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Bipolar disorder runs in my family, but I didn't know that when I had my first manic episode. Dysphoric mania is another name for bipolar disorder with mixed features.

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, causes extreme mood shifts ranging from mania to depression. We explain the symptoms, diagnosis…. PTSD and bipolar disorder have overlapping symptoms, but they're two very different conditions. Here's a closer look at what each involves and whether…. Am J Psychiatry. Kendler KS. The clinical features of mania and their representation in modern diagnostic criteria. Psychol Med. Hanwella R, de Silva VA. Signs and symptoms of acute mania: a factor analysis.

BMC Psychiatry. Hypomania and mania. Postpartum psychosis: madness, mania, and melancholia in motherhood. Mania following bereavement: state of the art and clinical evidence. Front Psychiatry. Takeshima M. CNS Spectr. Treatment of psychosis and mania in the postpartum period.

Bipolar disorder: preventing manic episodes. Updated May 28, Diet and bipolar disorder: a review of its relationship and potential therapeutic mechanisms of action. J Altern Complement Med. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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