What Is a Manic Episode? Signs and Symptoms Explained

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by extreme highs and lows, known as manic episodes and depressive episodes. Mania is a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, typically lasting at least one week or sometimes longer. Manic episodes are more than just feeling “happy” or “energized” – they severely impact the person’s ability to function.

Around 796,000 adults in Texas live with a serious mental health condition. At SUN Behavioral Health Houston, we understand what it’s like to ride the wave of a manic episode. Our team is here to support you through the highs, offering guidance every step of the way.

Understanding Manic Episodes: More Than Just a Mood Swing

When it comes to manic episodes, it’s important to understand what they entail. Mania is a disruptive mood shift that can affect a person’s thoughts, behaviors, emotions, sleep patterns, judgment, interpersonal relationships, and professional life. While these episodes can seem productive at first, they often become something much more dangerous. As the need for sleep decreases and the mind begins racing, decision-making is impacted, leading to impulsive and risky behaviors, impaired relationships, financial problems, and sometimes even hospitalization. From the outside, mania can appear chaotic, but to those experiencing symptoms, it often feels euphoric.

Riding the High: Signs and Symptoms of a Manic Episode

Manic episodes can feel exhilarating, but they often come with symptoms that can be difficult to manage.

Elevated Mood

One of the hallmark symptoms of mania is an abnormally elevated or euphoric mood. This can look like being excessively happy, upbeat, or optimistic. Elevated mood is typically how manic episodes start and is a clear warning sign that something is wrong.

Irritability

When mania is present, individuals may become irritated or agitated over minor situations. This irritability can quickly turn to anger.

Racing Thoughts

Many individuals who experience mania often feel like their thoughts are moving so fast that they can’t keep up. They have a flight of ideas, jumping from one to the next, and have trouble focusing on tasks.

Excessive Talkativeness

Mania causes a hyperactive mind. During episodes, you may talk fast, loud, or excessively, and others may find it difficult to keep up with what you’re saying.

Decreased Need for Sleep

When in a manic state, people can go days without sleeping or feel well-rested even after only a few hours of sleep. Most times, they don’t feel tired, which eventually leads to serious exhaustion.

Inflated Self-Esteem and Grandiosity

Manic episodes sometimes bring an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Individuals may have increased confidence or feel like they’re invincible. In some cases, they may believe they have special powers, talents, or connections, which can lead to delusional thinking.

Hypersexuality

This symptom can cause increased sexual thoughts and feelings during manic episodes, which typically lead individuals to engage in risky or impulsive behaviors.

Impulsive or Risky Behaviors

Mania can cause you to have poor judgment and a lack of concern for consequences. Impulsive and risky behavior usually presents as reckless spending sprees, gambling or risky investments, making major life decisions without planning, and driving dangerously or seeking thrilling activities.

A Surge in Goal-Directed Activities

This presents as an intense desire to start or complete tasks. What may appear to be productivity is actually excessive and unrealistic. Many people experiencing this symptom take on more than they can handle.

Psychosis

In more severe cases, manic episodes can cause psychosis. Psychosis occurs when an individual loses touch with reality. Symptoms include delusions and hallucinations. Delusions are false beliefs that a person may hold, while hallucinations involve seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.

Exploring the Different Types of Manic Episodes

In bipolar disorder, there are several different types of manic episodes:

• Full Manic Episode: Full manic episodes are seen in bipolar I disorder. Symptoms manifest as elevated mood, energy, and activity that significantly impact daily functioning. During manic episodes, individuals typically feel more energized, overly confident, and irritable. They may also have a reduced need for sleep. They may be impulsive and reckless, often engaging in risky behaviors. These episodes can quickly spiral out of control. It’s the most severe type of mania and sometimes results in hospitalization.
• Hypomanic Episode: Hypomania is a milder form of mania and is typically seen in bipolar II disorder. It also involves elevated mood and energy, but doesn’t have the severe impairment present in full manic episodes. While symptoms may be noticeable, they generally don’t interfere with daily life, unlike episodes in bipolar I.
• Mixed Episodes: Mixed episodes occur when manic and depressive symptoms are present simultaneously. This is often distressing and overwhelming, as individuals may experience an increase in energy while also feeling deep sadness. The mix of racing thoughts and depressive symptoms can increase the risk of self-harm as individuals cope with intense emotional highs and lows.
• Mania with Psychotic Features: This is a more severe form of mania that includes delusions and hallucinations. During these episodes, a person may see or hear things that aren’t there, or believe they have special abilities. Mania with psychotic features leads to significant disruption in daily life and typically requires medical intervention.

Mania Causes and Risk Factors: What You Need to Know

While it’s not completely clear what causes mania, it’s often triggered by a combination of genetic, chemical, and environmental factors. Several risk factors make it more likely for a manic episode to occur. These include a family history of bipolar disorder, brain structure, stressful life events, or major life changes, childhood trauma, substance use, and not keeping up with treatment.

Common Mania Triggers You Should Know About

Being aware of mania triggers is important for managing bipolar disorder. By recognizing common triggers, you can take proactive steps to reduce their effects.

1. Sleep Deprivation

Being sleep deprived is one of the most common triggers for mania. When you have bipolar disorder, getting adequate sleep is imperative for managing manic episodes.

2. Medication Changes or Non-Adherence

A change in medication or stopping your prescribed dose can trigger mania. When medications that are prescribed to help regulate your mood are stopped abruptly, it can cause rapid shifts.

3. Stress and Major Life Events

Stress and major life events are significant triggers for manic episodes. This includes the death of a loved one, job loss or change, ending a relationship, having a child, or getting married.

4. Seasonal Changes

Some individuals may notice they’re more prone to episodes during certain seasons. For example, mania is more common during spring and summer, due to factors such as increased sunlight and longer days.

The Process of Diagnosing Mania

Diagnosing mania typically begins by seeing a mental health professional. They will conduct an evaluation and ask about your medical history, current prescription medications, and family medical history. They will likely rule out other diagnoses and follow the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). To meet the criteria for a manic episode, the following must be present:

• Abnormal, elevated, or irritable mood
• At least three of the following symptoms:
  • Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
  • Decreased need for sleep
  •  Excessive talkativeness
  • Racing thoughts
  • Distractibility
  • Increase in goal-directed activity
  • Engaging in risky behaviors
• The mood disturbance is so severe that it causes significant disruption to your ability to function
• The manic episode isn’t caused by other factors, such as substances or another medical condition

How to Cope With Manic Episodes

Coping with manic episodes can be challenging, but effective strategies can help you stay grounded and in control. With the right tools and support, you can learn to navigate symptoms and maintain balance.

1. Identify Warning Signs: Pay attention to the warning signs of an impending manic episode. Knowing these signs can help you take action before things get out of control.
2. Stick to Your Treatment Plan: Even if your moods have been stable, you should continue your treatment plan. This includes taking your medication as prescribed, even if you feel great, and attending your therapy appointments.
3. Track Your Moods: Tracking your moods throughout the day can help you be aware of any shifts occurring.
4. Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is a key factor in stabilizing your moods and managing episodes.
5. Reach Out to Your Support System: Lean on your support system and let them know when something feels off. When you’re well, create a crisis plan to share with them that outlines steps you can take to ensure your well-being and safety.

Getting Help for Manic Episodes and Bipolar Disorder at SUN Behavioral Health Houston

If you’re living with bipolar disorder or experiencing manic episodes, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and help is available. The highs of mania may seem exhilarating at first, but they often lead to a host of issues that affect all aspects of your life. By seeking bipolar disorder treatment, you are taking the first step to living well and managing your mood with confidence.

At SUN Behavioral Health Houston, we solve unmet needs through quality mental health treatment. Our team understands the challenges imposed by bipolar disorder. We offer behavioral health services to treat both adolescents and adults, so there is something for everyone. Whether you’re dealing with severe manic episodes, cycling through moods, or just don’t know what’s best for you, our compassionate team is equipped to help you find stability and regain control of your thoughts, emotions, and life. To learn more about our mental health services, reach out to us at (713) 796-2273.