What are some symptoms of bipolar mania?
People who have bipolar I disorder may experience episodes of mania or mixed episode. Manic Episode A manic episode is defined as a period during which people are in a highly elevated, expansive, irritable, or angry mood, which lasts at least 1 week. Symptoms of mania may include: • Unrealistic beliefs in one’s ability – exaggerated confidence • Excessive energy, activity, restlessness • Decreased need for sleep • Racing thoughts, rapid talking • Uncharacteristically poor judgment – reckless driving, spending sprees, foolish business ventures In severe cases of mania, people may also experience hallucinations (hearing voices and seeing things that are not there) and delusions (beliefs in ideas that are obviously false). Mixed Episode Patients may also experience a mixed episode, which is characterized by the manic symptoms described above in addition to depressive symptoms listed below.
