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Bipolar Disorder: Manic Episodes
Topic Overview
Some mood disorders are characterized by manic episodes, periods of abnormally high energy. Behavior may be diagnosed as a manic episode if:
- An abnormal and continuously elevated (happy or energetic) mood or an irritable mood occurs and lasts at least 5 days.
- During this elevated or irritable mood, at least three of the
following symptoms are present:
- Inflated self-esteem or unrealistic feelings of importance
- Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep)
- Talkativeness (more than usual)
- Racing thoughts
- Being easily distracted by unimportant things
- An increased focus on reaching job or personal goals
- Involvement in irresponsible activities that might have dangerous consequences, such as engaging in increased sexual activity, making foolish business deals, or spending large sums of money
- The behavior is severe enough to cause an inability to function properly in a job, in social situations, or in relationships with others. It is possible you may need to seek hospitalization if the behaviors become so severe that you need help to prevent harming yourself or others.
- The symptoms are not due to substance abuse.
- Psychosis may be present.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a manic episode, it is important to seek help. Many treatments are available.
Balancing Act: A Mother and Her Sons Cope with Bipolar Disorder
Fran Szabo, 61, of Bethlehem, Pa., is one of those moms who speak glowingly about her kids without sounding like she’s trying to one-up other mothers. All three are successful in their careers and personal lives. But the road to this happiness, Fran acknowledges, was bumpy for her, husband Paul, and sons Thad, 36, Vance, 32, and Ross, 29. Ross and Thad were both diagnosed with bipolar disorder so severe they required psychiatric hospitalizations. For years after that, Thad was estranged from...
Read the Balancing Act: A Mother and Her Sons Cope with Bipolar Disorder article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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