Hypomania

What is Hypomania

Hypomania is a condition that affects people who have certain types of bipolar disorder. It is a mild form of mania. Mania is when a person has episodes of increased energy, excitement, or irritability that affect his or her daily life.

Unlike mania, hypomania does not affect daily life and it may only last for a few days. If hypomania is not treated, it can become more severe and lead to mania or depression.

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop hypomania if you have a mood disorder, especially bipolar disorder.

If you have a mood disorder, the following factors may increase your risk of developing hypomania:

  • Not getting enough sleep.
  • Using substances such as tobacco, caffeine, or illegal drugs.
  • Certain prescription medicines, such as antidepressants or antibiotics.
  • Stress or emotional events.
  • Certain seasons. Hypomania is more common in spring and summer.
  • The period of time after having a baby (postpartum period).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Very high energy or restlessness.
  • Decreased need for sleep.
  • Very high self-esteem or self-confidence.
  • Being unusually talkative, or feeling a need to keep talking. Speech may be very fast. It may seem like you cannot stop talking.
  • Racing thoughts or constant talking, with quick shifts between topics that may or may not be related (flight of ideas).
  • Decreased ability to focus or concentrate.
  • Increased purposeful activity, such as work, study, or social activity.
  • Increased nonproductive activity. This could be pacing, squirming and fidgeting, or finger and toe tapping.
  • Being more irritable.
  • Impulsive behavior and poor judgment. This may result in high-risk activities, such as having unprotected sex or spending a lot of money.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your symptoms and medical history.
  • A physical exam. Your health care provider will check for physical conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
  • A mental health evaluation. You may be referred to a mental health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mood disorders.

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated with:

  • Medicines, such as mood stabilizers. Your health care provider may also recommend medicines to help you sleep, if needed.
  • Talk therapy (psychotherapy) with a mental health provider.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Consider keeping a journal. Write down a daily log of your mood changes, sleep habits, life events, and medicines. Share this information with your health care provider or therapist.
  • Find a supportive relative or friend who can help you manage your symptoms.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your symptoms do not improve or they get worse.
  • You are thinking about changing your medicine or treatment program.
  • You have side effects from your prescription medicines.

Get help right away if:

  • You are having a mental health crisis.
  • You are thinking about harming yourself or thinking about suicide.

If you ever feel like you may hurt yourself or others, or have thoughts about taking your own life, get help right away. You can go to your nearest emergency department or call:

  • Your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
  • A suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This is open 24 hours a day.

Summary

  • Hypomania is a mild form of mania. Mania is when someone feels increased energy, excitement, or irritability that affects his or her daily life. Hypomania does not affect daily life, and it may only last for a few days.
  • Symptoms of hypomania may include very high energy or restlessness, unusual talkativeness, and not being able to focus or concentrate.
  • Treatment for hypomania may include mood stabilizer medicine and talk therapy (psychotherapy) with a mental health provider.
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