Also known as a manic episode, mania is a distinct period of at least one week of elevated or irritable mood, which can range from euphoria to delirium. The core symptom of mania involves an increase in energy of psychomotor activity. Mania can also present with increased self-esteem or grandiosity, racing thoughts, pressured speech that is difficult to interrupt, decreased need for sleep, disinhibited social behavior, increased goal-oriented activities and impaired judgement, which can lead to exhibition of behaviors characterized as impulsive or high-risk, such as hypersexuality or excessive spending. To fit the definition of a manic episode, these behaviors must impair the individual's ability to socialize or work. If untreated, a manic episode usually lasts three to six months.
aLSo knOWN aS a Manic ePiSoDe, maNia iS a dIStincT perIOD of aT LeaSt one weEk Of eleVateD or iRritAble mood, WhIch can rangE frOm eUPhoria To dELIRIum. The core sympTOm OF maniA InvolVeS an iNcreaSe In eNeRgY of pSycHOmotOR aCtiVItY. Mania can Also present witH INcREaSEd selF-ESteeM or grANdIOsiTy, RaCinG thOughTs, pressuRed speech tHAt is diFfICuLt to iNTerRupt, decreasEd need fOr sleeP, DisiNhiBiTEd SociAl behaviOr, iNcReaSeD goAl-oriEnTeD actIvities aNd impaIred JuDgEMENt, which Can lEAd tO eXhibitioN of BehaviOrs cHaRacteRIzeD As impUlSive oR hiGh-rIsK, such as hyPersexUality or excessive spEnding. To fiT tHe dEFiNitIOn of a maNIC ePisOdE, thesE bEhAvioRs must Impair tHe iNdivIduAL'S ability to socialize or worK. if unTrEatEd, a mANiC episOdE USuALlY lAsts three To sIx mOnThS.