Mania is essentially the "high" someone experiences in the radical shifts of mood often seen in bipolar disorders. This state is in extreme juxtaposition to the "low," which is generally identified as more sadness or depression.
Definition
In bipolar disorder, mania is the result of excessive levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Since this particular neurotransmitter has a lot to do with our reaction to things and our attention to that which is going on around us, the high levels would start out as a virtually euphoric feeling that quickly moves to an almost overwhelming sensation.
Symptoms
Most people who are suffering from mania due to a bipolar disorder will usually feel an excitement or elation that will suddenly shift into hostility and irritability. They will often be fairly impulsive, even reckless with a fairly overblown idea of self, sometimes referred to as delusions of grandeur. They are regularly distracted, talkative and filled with energy, occasionally to the point where they do not sleep (or feel the need to sleep). Of course, these symptoms are related to the manic side of bipolar disorders and not those linked to the depression.
Other Signs
Another sign of mania in relation to bipolar disorder is an increase in erratic behavior, which is generally classified by its poor judgment. You may see someone who is experiencing mania quit his job without reason, begin to spend out of control and start to drink in excess, abuse drugs or engage in illicit sex. He may begin to set impossible goals for himself, make unfeasible plans or think he can do anything. When the mania is extremely high, he may even begin see or hear things that are not there.
Misconceptions
One of the main misconceptions in regard to bipolar disorder is that people will experience dramatic shifts. While this is true, many people can spend an extended period of time in the mania (as well as the depression) before a swing takes place. It could last days, weeks or months. Some people even remain in the mania for years, so it isn't necessarily the shift in mood that will cause a person to be diagnosed with the disorder, but the combination of manic (or depressive) symptoms.
Treatment
The most beneficial course of treatment for mania in bipolar disorder is a combination of two treatments. Most people will start out with an antipsychotic drug to essentially rein in the manic behavior and then will be given a mood stabilizer. More often than not, they will need to be hospitalized for a period of time, as people suffering from mania will be noncompliant and impulsive or volatile. From there, they will usually start some course of therapy.
Tags: bipolar disorder, bipolar disorders, disorder combination, from mania, mania bipolar, mania bipolar disorder