What is Hypomania?
Symptoms of hypomania include:
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Increased confidence and self esteem |
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Feelings of euphoria and elation |
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Increased productivity |
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Increased activity, often goal orientated |
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Increased engagement in pleasurable activities |
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Distractibility |
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Irritability/Anxiety |
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Decreased need for sleep |
The DSM-IV states that "Although manic episodes and hypomanic episodes have identical lists of characteristic symptoms, the mood disturbance in hypomanic episodes is not sufficiently severe to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to require hospitalisation. Some hypomanic episodes may evolve into full manic episodes."
"As a bipolar II sufferer, I experience hypomanic states, rather than full-blown mania. I�d probably describe the initial experience of being �high� as being �like me, but more so�. I am more confident, energetic, outgoing, have less need for sleep, talk faster, think faster, to give a few examples of the experience. Physically, it�s a bit like being on a permanent adrenaline rush, I will find it hard to sit still, may pace, may find myself drumming my fingers, or tapping one leg. My thoughts will become increasingly fast, so that they overlap in my mind, and come out of my mouth as fast, as if there is no holding space between thought and speech. I will find myself talking over people, not just socially, but in meetings. The content of my speech, may move from humorous to inappropriate, but I won�t realise this, until I see the looks on people�s faces, and realise all conversation has stopped apart from my diatribe which by now is in full flow. The hypomanic state can lead me to place myself into dangerous situations, and lead me to act recklessly, my spending rises, and my alcohol intake tends to increase dramatically, as I crave social stimulation, and I�m more likely to act promiscuously. The hypomanic state has pushed over to a state of severe anxiety, where I was barely able to formulate a coherent sentence, couldn�t stop shaking or pacing, and couldn�t sit still. Fortunately, this situation was remedied by a short course of medication which brought me down off the high. Unfortunately, the reality is that the sufferer is often reluctant to seek medical help until the late stages, sensations of the hypomanic state are pleasurable until the later stages"
