Core diagnostic feature of a manic episode
What is the core diagnostic feature and supporting symptoms for a manic episode? (Hint: the mnemonic DIGFAST may help.)
A manic episode is the polar opposite of depression (hence, the name bipolar disorder ), and the core feature is a significant shift in mood persisting at least a week (4 days for hypomania) characterized by elation, expansivity, or irritability and abnormally increased goal-directed activity or energy.
Functioning must be impaired and the possibility of contributing substance intoxication or withdrawal (e.g., cocaine) or medical conditions (e.g., delirium, behavioral variant frontotemporal degeneration, hyperthyroidism) must be ruled out. Other supporting features include:
- D istractibility
- I ndiscretion (e.g., spending beyond means, sexual promiscuity, or foolish investing)
- G randiosity
- F light of ideas/racing thoughts
- A ctivity: increased goal-directed activity
- S leep: reduced perceived need for sleep
- T alkative: increased rate and amount (i.e., pressured speech)
