Psychology
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Mania
Pronounced MAY-nee-uh
Also known as Manic episode, Manic
A period of abnormally high or irritable mood with greatly increased energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts and risky behaviour, lasting a week or more. It defines bipolar I disorder.
In Psychology
Mania is a sustained high that goes far beyond happiness. The person has a surge of energy, needs little sleep yet does not feel tired, talks fast, jumps between ideas, feels unusually important or powerful, and acts impulsively — spending, driving, sexual or business risks. The mood can be irritable or aggressive rather than cheerful.
By definition it lasts at least a week, or less if it is severe enough to need hospital. In severe mania can develop, with of special powers or a mission. Many people do not recognise that they are unwell.
It is the key feature of type I and is treated with or medicines. Some medicines and drugs can also set it off, which is why a doctor asks about everything the person has been taking.
Where this comes up
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Insomnia: causes, CBT-I and when sleeping pills help
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Related terms
- HypomaniaHypomanic episode, HypomanicA milder form of mania: several days of raised or irritable mood, more energy and less need for sleep, noticeable to others but without psychosis or the need for hospital.
- Bipolar disorderBipolar affective disorder, Manic depressionA long-term condition with episodes of depression and episodes of abnormally high or irritable mood (mania or hypomania), usually lasting days to weeks, with more stable periods in between.
- PsychosisPsychotic episode, Psychotic symptomsA state in which a person loses some contact with reality — hearing or seeing things others do not, or firmly believing things that are not true. It is a symptom with many causes, and it is treatable.
- Mood stabiliserMood stabilizer, Mood stabilisersMedicines taken long term to prevent the extreme highs (mania) and lows of bipolar disorder and keep mood steadier. Lithium and sodium valproate are the best known.
- AntipsychoticAntipsychotics, NeurolepticMedicines that reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, mainly by blocking dopamine. They treat schizophrenia and mania, and are sometimes used for other conditions.