Difference Between Mania and Hypomania in Bipolar Disorder
One of the most common indicators of bipolar disorder is that the individual experiences emotional highs called mania. But there is a type of mania that some individuals experience called hypomania. What is the difference between mania and hypomania in bipolar disorder?
The importance of knowing the difference between episodes of mania and hypomania determines a diagnosis between Bipolar I and Bipolar II. This could change the type of treatment or type and amount of medications needed to control the mood swings of bipolar disorder.
The characteristics of mania include really high mood, racing thoughts, inability to sleep and participation in risky behavior, among others. The characteristics of hypomania are similar except may not be as extreme and obvious as a basic manic state. For example, those experiencing hypomania may just appear very outgoing, sociable and friendly. They may make a lot of jokes and be the life of the party.
This makes hypomania harder to diagnose than a high manic episode. The doctor needs to take this information along with other symptoms a patient may be experiencing to determine if the patient is actually experiencing an episode of hypomania. For the diagnosis of Bipolar II, there are certain phases of hypomania and depression that would be experienced over a period of time.
It's important for the doctor to differentiate between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, namely understanding if the patient is experiencing mania or hypomania during the manic phases of the illness. Bipolar II and hypomania are often harder to treat because too much medication can bring the mood down too low and possibly lead to a bout of depression. Also, antidepressants may bring about hypomania, so differences in mood should be watched carefully and discussed with your doctor.
Knowing the difference between mania and hypomania in bipolar disorder can help the physician make an accurate diagnosis between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, as well as help with proper type and dosign of medications to make symptoms more manageable.
SOURCE:
Author's Personal Knowledge and Experience with Bipolar Disorder and Treatments
The importance of knowing the difference between episodes of mania and hypomania determines a diagnosis between Bipolar I and Bipolar II. This could change the type of treatment or type and amount of medications needed to control the mood swings of bipolar disorder.
The characteristics of mania include really high mood, racing thoughts, inability to sleep and participation in risky behavior, among others. The characteristics of hypomania are similar except may not be as extreme and obvious as a basic manic state. For example, those experiencing hypomania may just appear very outgoing, sociable and friendly. They may make a lot of jokes and be the life of the party.
This makes hypomania harder to diagnose than a high manic episode. The doctor needs to take this information along with other symptoms a patient may be experiencing to determine if the patient is actually experiencing an episode of hypomania. For the diagnosis of Bipolar II, there are certain phases of hypomania and depression that would be experienced over a period of time.
It's important for the doctor to differentiate between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, namely understanding if the patient is experiencing mania or hypomania during the manic phases of the illness. Bipolar II and hypomania are often harder to treat because too much medication can bring the mood down too low and possibly lead to a bout of depression. Also, antidepressants may bring about hypomania, so differences in mood should be watched carefully and discussed with your doctor.
Knowing the difference between mania and hypomania in bipolar disorder can help the physician make an accurate diagnosis between Bipolar I and Bipolar II, as well as help with proper type and dosign of medications to make symptoms more manageable.
SOURCE:
Author's Personal Knowledge and Experience with Bipolar Disorder and Treatments
Published by Jolynne M Hudnell
Jolynne is a part-time freelance writer and independently-published poet. Jolynne has knowledge and experience in a variety of topics. Jolynne enjoys singing and writing poetry. Her published work in... View profile
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