2020-10-12

What are the symptoms of mania and hypomania?

The main difference between mania and hypomania is the intensity of the symptoms. Symptoms of mania are much more intense than those of hypomania.

Symptoms of mania and hypomania

While they vary in intensity, most of the symptoms of mania and hypomania are the same. The key symptoms include:

• having higher-than-normal energy levels
• being restless or unable to sit still
• having a decreased need for sleep
• having increased self-esteem or confidence, or grandiosity
• being extremely talkative
• having a racing mind, or having lots of new ideas and plans
• being easily distracted
• taking on multiple projects with no way of finishing them
• having decreased inhibitions
• having increased sexual desire
• engaging in risky behavior, such as having impulsive sex, gambling with life savings, or going on big spending sprees

During a manic or hypomanic phase, you may not be able to recognize these changes in yourself. If others mention that you’re not acting like yourself, you’re not likely to think that anything’s wrong.

The more severe symptoms of mania

Unlike hypomanic episodes, manic episodes can lead to serious consequences. When the mania subsides, you may be left with remorse or depression for things you’ve done during the episode.

With mania, you may also have a break with reality. Psychotic symptoms can include:

• visual or auditory hallucinations
• delusional thoughts
• paranoid thoughts