What Is a Manic Episode: Understanding How to Help Your Loved Ones

The elevated mood. The decreased need for sleep. The increased self-esteem. 

Following a depression episode, mania may feel like a welcome change. But there is much more to manic episodes than being the opposite of depression. They can feel just as terrifying, isolating, and overwhelming for many individuals. 

In 2020, 54,712 people were diagnosed with bipolar disorder in Ohio, which means all of them experienced at least one manic episode that year. This leaves thousands of loved ones wondering how they can help. At SUN Behavioral Health Columbus, we want to help you answer that question through today’s blog post.

Mania is one of the phases of bipolar I disorder and is characterized as 1 week or more of a drastic behavior change that impacts the person’s ability to function. They will often have many symptoms, such as a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, elevated mood, and impulsivity. The person experiencing it may not recognize the change in their behaviors, but it is noticeable to others. 

In some cases, mania can result in a need for hospitalization, as the person may become a danger to themselves or others during this phase. If you or someone you care about is experiencing a manic episode and having thoughts or behaviors to harm themselves or another person, immediately go to a crisis care facility. 

To be classified as mania, these symptoms cannot be caused by substance use or other medical conditions. Some substances, physical conditions, and mental health disorders can present symptoms that are similar to mania. A manic episode has to be associated with bipolar disorder, which includes a rapid cycling of having at least 4 or more mood episodes in 12 months. These mood episodes are mania, hypomania, and depression. 

There is no widely accepted answer as to why mania happens. It is believed that a combination of social, psychological, and genetic factors causes it. Still, nobody knows for sure what the exact cause of mania is. That said, there are some potential explanations, such as family history, challenging life experiences, a chemical imbalance in the brain, or having a mental health condition such as seasonal affective disorder.

The main risk factor for developing mania symptoms is having bipolar disorder. While anyone can develop bipolar disorder and subsequently experience mania, some risk factors can increase one’s chances. Remember that having any of these risk factors does not mean you will develop this disorder. 

One risk factor is if you have a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder. This can make it more likely that you will also develop this condition. Also, some people may develop this disorder after a highly stressful or traumatic event. Managing another mental health disorder, such as depression, could raise someone’s risk of developing bipolar disorder and experiencing mania.

3 main types of mania have been reported that range in severity and prevalence. Other types of mania could exist, but they occur less frequently in people who experience manic episodes. Some people may experience only 1 type in their lives, while others may have a combination.

Acute mania – This type of mania has been described throughout this blog post, and it is often the most severe. Someone with acute mania has symptoms such as euphoria, irritability, increased energy levels, rapid speech, and reckless behaviors. Hospitalization may be necessary.

Hypomania –This type of mania is less severe than acute mania. It typically lasts a shorter period and doesn’t interfere with the person’s daily functioning. It also rarely requires hospitalization and doesn’t include delusions or hallucinations. 

Unipolar mania – This type of mania is the rarest of the three, and it only includes excitement and high energy levels. Someone with this type of mania is more likely to experience euphoric symptoms rather than recklessness or irritability. 

A medical professional is the only person who can diagnose bipolar disorder or mania. Typically, they will take your history and ask about changes in your life using the mnemonic “DIG FAST,” which stands for Distractibility, Irritability, Grandiosity, Flight of ideas, Activity, Sleep, and Talkativeness. They will also compare your symptoms and timeline to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This manual requires a diagnosis of mania to be a change in mood described as euphoric or angry that lasts at least 1 week or requires hospitalization. 

During your diagnosis, you will also receive medical testing, such as blood tests and a urine drug test, to ensure that a different concern does not cause the symptoms. If everything else has been ruled out, the person will be diagnosed with mania.

The best way to overcome manic episodes is with treatment for bipolar disorder. This typically includes medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Your initial assessment will determine your treatment and may change as you progress. 

Medications for mania often include either an antipsychotic, mood stabilizer, or antidepressant. Depending on your circumstances, they may not be required to be taken, and discussing your concerns with your provider can allow you to reach the decision that will best suit you. If you want to know where to get your medication after treatment, know we are partnered with Janus Pharmacy. This ensures you can continue your medication, and it can even be shipped to you. 

The other part of manic episode treatment is psychotherapy. During treatment, you will work with a mental health specialist who will help you identify your potential triggers and introduce you to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT will help you change your thoughts during mania to more beneficial and healthy ones.

In addition to treatment, practicing self-care is an essential aspect of managing mania. Aim for relaxing environments, stick to routines, and postpone making major life decisions or purchases. Treatment can help you establish these aspects. 

The first step to managing manic episodes and bipolar disorder is to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you are a danger to yourself or someone else during these episodes, immediately go to a crisis care center. You do not have to call ahead of time, and we are open 24/7, including the weekends and holidays, to help you find the stabilization you need.

SUN Behavioral Health Columbus solves unmet needs in Ohio. Our no-cost care assessments allow you to work with our counselors as they determine the best treatment plan to help you manage manic symptoms. For more information, visit us today or call us at 614-706-2786.

What is a manic episode like?

Someone who has a manic episode will have an excessively high level of energy and feel euphoric. The person may require very little sleep to feel rested and might feel like they are invincible. However, they may also become aggressive and irritable and participate in dangerous behaviors. These behaviors may result in the need for hospitalization to keep them and others safe.

How can you tell if someone is manic?

Someone who is manic will often have more energy than they usually do. They may sleep less or talk fast and be easily distracted. You may also notice that the person with a manic episode makes poor decisions, such as shopping sprees or risky sexual behaviors.