Bipolar disorder is defined by specific mood episodes on opposite poles of the mood spectrum: “manic,” or elevated, and depressed. These mood episodes come with many additional symptoms beyond changes in mood, including altered cognition, sleep and behavior.

The sudden intensity of a manic episode can be unpleasant and dangerous. Manic episodes are sometimes severe enough to lead to hospitalization, especially when they include psychotic features like delusions or hallucinations.

• Bipolar I Bipolar I disorder is the most severe form of bipolar disorder. It is defined by the presence of manic episodes. There is no requirement regarding depressive episodes. However, most people with bipolar I disorder experience both manic and depressive episodes.


• Bipolar II For people to be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, they must have experienced at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode.



Symptoms of Mania can be remembered as DIGFAST

• D – Distractibility – Poorly focused, Poor attention and concentration, Poor decision making


• I – Insomnia – Decrease need for sleep (Sleeps less, still remains energetic throughout the day)


• G – Grandiosity – Ideas of sense of inflated self-esteem, boasting or making false claims about self


• F – Flights of ideas – jumping from one idea to another with or without connection


• A – Activities – Over involvement in work, over religious, excessively philosophical, hyperactive throughout the day.


• S – Speech – Pressured speech, more talkative than usual


• T – Thoughtlessness – Risk taking behaviours (Sexual, financial, travel, driving)

So basically mania is a state of mind with loss of insight. It can be diagnosed only if symptoms prevail more than 7 days or 3 days, patient needs to be admitted. Some patients can experience milder forms of these symptoms which are known as Hypomania.

Mood stabilizers and other medications can treat the disorder. In acute manic phase, hospitalisation and Brief Pulse Electro Convulsive therapy may be required.