Hypomanic Episode: Before, During, and After Symptoms
Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD
Hypomania is associated with bipolar 2 disorder. Signs of hypomania include noticeably elevated energy, mood, behavior, and activity levels that are markedly different from your usual state of mind.
Hypomania is referred to as a mood episode because it entails symptom exacerbation (severity) like that of a manic episode. The difference between the two is that hypomanic episodes are usually shorter and cause less disruption to everyday functioning than the manic episodes experienced in bipolar 1.
There are healthy ways of coping and self-treatments available for people experiencing hypomania.
This article will cover the signs and symptoms of hypomania, its triggers, self-treatment, and when to seek medical care.
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First Hypomanic Episode: What Happens?
During a hypomanic episode, you’ll experience a noticeable and persistent mood change that may involve increased feelings of energy, euphoria, and irritability. You may feel exceptionally well and like you can finally finish tasks or keep up with daily responsibilities.
Mania vs. Hypomania
Mania is a mood state causing severe impairment, with more intense and longer-lasting symptoms than hypomania. Mania symptoms last at least one week and can result in hospitalization.
Related: What Is Mania?
Bipolar Hypomania Symptoms
Bipolar hypomanic episodes involve the following symptoms occurring most of the day, nearly every day, for four days. Specific symptoms of bipolar hypomania may differ from one person to another. How someone experiences hypomania can also change over time.
Examples of bipolar-related hypomania symptoms include:
Inflated sense of self-esteem or feeling like you can now achieve anything, despite your actual talent and skill level
Feeling rested after just a few hours of sleep (i.e., decreased need for sleep)
More talkative, rapid speech, or feeling like you have to keep talking
Racing thoughts or persistent flight of ideas
Restlessness and being easily distracted
Increase in goal-oriented activity (i.e., work, school, or sexually)
Increased and excessive involvement in pleasurable, but high-risk or high-consequence activities (i.e., engaging in spending sprees or making impulsive/unsound business investments, engaging in unprotected sexual activity)
Related: Bipolar Type 2 Symptoms
Non-Bipolar Hypomania
Non-bipolar hypomania, which are hypomania-like episodes, can occur in people who do not have bipolar disorder. The symptoms may appear the same, but are not caused by bipolar disorder.
Hypomania-like episodes can be caused by underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism or from the effects of substances or treatments (i.e., alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications).
Hypomania or ADHD?
Bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are common comorbid (co-occurring) conditions. Living with bipolar disorder and ADHD can cause greater functional impairment. Overlapping symptoms include distractibility, excessive talking, and constant changes in plans or activities. How symptoms present and when they occur can differ.
Experts say rather than focusing on current symptoms for diagnosis, it’s best to look at "worst ever" symptoms of hypomania to differentiate between whether a symptom stems from bipolar 2 disorder or ADHD.
Signs of Hypomanic Episodes in Others
Hypomania may be somewhat less obvious than mania, but symptoms are still observable in others. Signs of hypomania in others include a marked change in mood and functioning, compared to when the person is not experiencing symptoms.
While it’s not possible to know exactly how someone is thinking and feeling (i.e., you can’t see someone’s racing thoughts or hear their internal self-talk), some signs are more noticeable. Examples include:
Talking rapidly
Wanting to stay up late to explain their new ideas
Initiating more sexual activity
Spending beyond their means
Suddenly canceling plans to work on achieving a new goal
Takeaway
No individual sign can tell you if someone is experiencing hypomania. Only a qualified mental health professional or healthcare provider can determine whether someone’s symptoms fit the criteria for hypomania. If you have concerns about someone you care about, talk to them about what you’re noticing and ask if they would be willing to seek help.
Related: What It’s Like Living With a Bipolar Spouse
Triggers: What Brings on Hypomanic Episodes?
Hypomanic episodes can be triggered by traumatic, negative, or stressful life events.
Triggers include:
Relationship loss (divorce, death, breakup)
Not getting enough sleep
Work or family stressors
Certain medications (particularly those that increase norepinephrine, a main neurotransmitter responsible for the fight-or-flight response)
Alcohol and recreational or recreational drug use
Physical illness
Related: Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol: What's the Connection?
Self-Treatment During Hypomanic Episodes
Tips for self-treatment during a hypomanic episode include:
Work with your healthcare provider to make treatment adjustments, if necessary.
Follow through on previously prescribed treatment plans (i.e., don’t stop taking your medication if you start feeling "better").
Maintain your routine for eating, sleeping, exercising, socializing.
Ask people you trust for help in keeping up with your treatment plan.
Track your moods and activities so you can see the changes occurring.
Decrease exposure to triggers when and where possible.
Related: Why Bipolar Disorder Stigma Exists
Hospitalization for Hypomanic Episodes
Hypomanic episodes do not require hospitalization. That said, if someone is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide during a hypomanic episode, seeking emergency care is necessary.
Mental Health Support
If you are experiencing suicidal or dark thoughts or worried about the mental health and safety of a loved one, you can call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Dial 911 if in immediate danger.
Related: Seeking Help? Mental Health Hotlines Offer a First Step
Between Hypomanic Episodes: Planning Ahead
Planning ahead between hypomanic episodes can include keeping a mood journal to track your mood and activities. Mood tracking helps you see the signs or recognize triggers that may lead to hypomania, and make adjustments as necessary to help reduce risk. It's also important to stick with treatment between episodes and maintain a structured routine, including when you’re feeling well or are experiencing a depressive episode.
Read Next: What Causes Bipolar Disorder?
Summary
Hypomania is a form of mania characterized by noticeable changes to a person’s mood and activity levels. It can be a symptom of bipolar disorder or caused by other factors, including substance use. Changes include increased energy, euphoria, and irritability. Some symptoms, like increased talkativeness and distractibility, are noticeable to others.
Triggers include stressful life events. Coping includes working with a mental health or healthcare provider, sticking with treatment, mood tracking, and working to adjust lifestyle factors that may be triggering episodes.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
