2023-12-15 14:16:17
Sometimes a person suddenly becomes more energetic.
He begins to radiate enthusiasm, gush with ideas, and happily takes on any task. Perhaps he just fell in love. Or maybe he’s having an episode of hypomania. We talk about what it is in the 76th edition of the guide to the psyche.
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What is hypomania called and what are its symptoms?
Hypomania can manifest itself in different ways. Additionally, symptoms may change over time.
- a person becomes unusually active: he can take on several ambitious projects at once;
- may be inclined to violate the rules of decency and politeness. For example, suddenly being rude to loved ones during a family dinner;
- becomes especially talkative. At the same time, during a conversation he often jumps from topic to topic, it becomes difficult for him to focus on one thing, he is easily distracted. The rate of speech becomes high;
- feels increased sexual desire, which can lead to casual relationships;
- dresses in unusually bright clothes;
- feels less need for sleep: sleeps less than usual and still gets enough sleep;
- shows unusual self-confidence and overestimates his capabilities;
- becomes prone to impulsive expensive purchases, thoughtless spending, and risky actions that he would not have dared to take in his normal state;
- feels increased irritability, joy close to euphoria, or, conversely, unexpected cruelty and aggressiveness towards others.
Many people feel great during episodes of hypomania: they are productive, creative, full of energy and joy. Some even manage to maintain focus on important tasks in this state – and at this moment they make significant progress in them. This is called high-functioning hypomania.
Problems can arise if hypomania pushes a person to do something rash and dangerous. For example, due to an increased propensity for risky behavior, he may lose all the money set aside to buy things the family needs. Don’t use protection during a one-night stand. Or tell your boss everything you think about him without thinking about the consequences.
Causes of hypomania
Bipolar affective disorder. It comes in two types. Hypomania most often occurs in the second type of bipolar disorder. The first type is characterized by a more serious condition – mania. With it, all the symptoms characteristic of hypomania become too strong and begin to negatively affect life. Episodes of hypomania in type 1 bipolar disorder also occur. But less often than with type 2 bipolar disorder.
In addition, there is evidence that an attack of hypomania can happen to a person without a diagnosed bipolar disorder, but with a predisposition to it, under the influence of psychoactive substances or certain medications. This could be the beginning of the development of bipolar disorder.
Personality traits. There is a so-called hypomanic personality type. It is characterized by extroversion, energy, increased emotionality, excessive self-confidence, ambition and impulsiveness. It is not a mental disorder. Typically, episodes of hypomania occur in a person in response to external stimuli.
How is hypomania diagnosed?
According to the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the main difference between hypomania from a period of good mood is that this is an unusual state for a person. He is too joyful, active, and optimistic for himself. And this unusualness is noticeable to those around him.
But at the same time, a person in a state of hypomania is often able to function: communicate with people, go to work, lead a normal life – unlike mania.
In some cases, a person may experience psychosis during a manic episode: they may begin to believe that people around them want to do something bad to them – accompanied by hallucinations. This does not happen with hypomania.
There is also a difference in terms. The DSM-5 notes that with hypomania, symptoms typically last four days to a week. For mania – more than a week. This is one of the criteria for making a diagnosis.
Another important difference: a manic episode in most cases indicates the presence of bipolar disorder type 1. An episode of hypomania can occur in a person who does not have any mental disorders.
Treatment of hypomania
A single episode of hypomania—especially during stress—is not a sign of a problem and therefore does not require medical attention.
You should consult a psychiatrist if this condition begins to recur and is accompanied by episodes of depression. A specialist will help determine the cause, if necessary, make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Most often in people with recurrent hypomania prescribe medicationsmood stabilizing, antipsychotic, anti-anxiety and anticonvulsants.
In addition, it is recommended to make changes to their daily life that will stabilize their mood:
- Avoid consuming substances that stimulate the psyche: caffeine, alcohol, sugar. Try not to visit noisy, crowded places and events;
- eat regularly, make sure that the diet is balanced and contains all the microelements necessary for the normal functioning of the body;
- be physically active;
- sleep at least 7-8 hours every day.
And during the episodes of hypomania themselves, it is also necessary to reduce social contacts and not listen to loud, fast music in order to avoid excessive stimulation of the psyche.
To control hypomania, it is also important to try to understand what triggers trigger the onset of the next episode – and try to avoid them. A mood diary can help with this, in which every day you need to note how joyful you are or, conversely, depressed, irritable, and anxious. There are special applications for this, for example eMoods.
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