Mania & Hypomania - Difference, Symptoms, Risks & Causes

Regarding mental health and well-being, the concerns regarding bipolar disorder have been increasing recently. While multiple symptoms can be associated with this disorder, mania and hypomania are commonly seen in such patients. These are mental conditions when individuals experience an energised mood.

Are you confused about the traits of mania VS hypomania? Find out all about it in this article.

Mania is a mood disturbance which can make you atypically energised, both physically and energetically. While it can occur to anyone in general, patients with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience such issues. This is because such people face regular maniac episodes, where they act unusually energised and feel more restless.

The level of energy can signify either positive or negative vibes. People suffering from this condition can feel both happy and sad, unable to control their feelings and expression before others. They might need hospitalisation. These symptoms of maniac episodes can last for about a week and leave severe consequences and after-effects for the citizens.

Hypomania is a milder form of mania. Patients suffering from hypomania will experience a similar boost of energy and mood shift. However, it will not be as severe as seen in maniac episodes. Moreover, it also stays for a smaller period, about a few days.

There are chances that people can notice the shift in your mood and energy when you have a hypomanic episode. However, you might not have to seek hospitalisation for the same. This is because people suffering from bipolar II disorder are more prone to facing hypomania, which can be an alternative to depression phases in their minds.

As discussed earlier, the main distinction between mania and hypomania is their severity and intensity. It also depends on the stability and longevity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms for both these conditions are listed below:

• Unusual energy levels
• Restlessness and irritability
• Positive or rude behaviour
• Unhealthy sleep routine
• More talkative nature
• Reduced inhibitions
• Growth in self-esteem or confidence
• Increase in sexual desire

While these do not reflect the intensity of hypomania, maniac episodes can cause harsher and more complicated symptoms. These are often related to severe mental health issues like depression. Some of these symptoms are listed below:

• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Delusion and hallucinations
• Loss of interest
• Detachment from reality
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Suicidal tendencies and thoughts

Therefore, it is evident that the symptoms of mania are much more severe and intense than hypomania. It causes individuals to fall seriously ill, mainly regarding mental health and well-being. The severity causes the patients to seek hospitalising and proper medical treatment.

The causes of mania and hypomania are as follows:

• High-stress levels
• Family history and genetics
• Lack of proper sleep
• Neurobiology
• Addiction to drugs and alcohol
• Significant events or trauma in life
• Childbirth
• Difficult life conditions
• Side effects of medication
• Stimulating environment, like loud noise, bright light and large crowds
• Major incidents like divorce, job loss, miscarriage, abuse, etc.
• Addictive substance abuse

Here are some health issues which can trigger mania and hypomania, becoming their risk factors:

Bipolar II Disorder: This condition is a common cause of mania and hypomania. As discussed, mania and hypomania can bring unusual energy and shift moods. It is a frequent issue with bipolar disorder, whereby individuals experience frequent changes in mood and overall personality.

Cyclothymic Disorder: This is also a popular cause of mania and hypomania. This disease is a mild version of bipolar disorder. Here, the shifts and changes in mood and personality are not as quick or frequent as in bipolar disorder. However, it can also cause the patients to experience unusual energy.

Seasonal Depression: This condition causes a depressive mental state with the change of seasons, especially during the fall season. During this period, the patients of this depression disorder can experience both mania and hypomania.

Postpartum Depression: This type of depression arises after having a baby. It causes frequent emotional highs and lows, which can cause mania and hypomania. In addition, women can face mild symptoms of unusual positive and negative energy.

Bipolar I Disorder: This is a more intense version of bipolar II diseases. It is likely to cause severe changes in mood and personality. There are severe depression episodes, and a low phase causes a feeling of detachment from reality. In this situation, patients can experience delusions and hallucinations.

Schizoaffective Disorder: This is a severe mental health condition with similar symptoms to schizophrenia and a mood disorder. The changes in personality and mood shifts are more frequent and intense. Patients are likely to face the symptoms of mania in this case.

Cushing's Disease: Cushing is a noncancerous (benign) tumour of the pituitary gland. Overuse of steroid drugs can cause an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. This disease can cause mood shifts and changes in personality. Depressing thoughts and ideas are also common.

Diagnosing both mania and hypomania can be done through a similar process. A lab test can check if other physical diseases might be triggering these conditions. If that option is ruled out, the doctor will ask detailed questions about your comprehensive medical history and the possibilities of such medical conditions in your family line.

If your doctor identifies bipolar disorder, they will likely refer you to a professional psychiatrist. They will ask detailed questions and observe your behaviour regarding depression or unusual energy. They might also ask you to note down your episodes or ask a close family member to do so. These notes will help them make a decision.

Doctors usually distinguish between mania and hypomania by recording the duration of the episodes. For example, if it lasts for a week, it is mania. On the other hand, if it lasts for about a couple of days, it is considered hypomania.

There are no specific treatment measures for mania and hypomania. People generally seek treatment for bipolar disorder or similar mental health issues. The following treatment measures are commonly used in hospitals:

1. Psychotherapy

One of the best treatment methods is psychotherapy for mania and hypomania, similar to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). These therapies can be either family-focused or group-focused. During such sessions, doctors will analyse the reasons or triggers behind your mania and try to talk you out.

2. Medication

The following medicine types can be used for treating both mania and hypomania:

• Mood stabiliser medicines like lithium and antiseizure
• Second-generation or atypical antipsychotics
• Antidepressant medicines
• Sleep medications for a better sleep routine

Mood changes and emotional ups and downs are usually familiar with the rising level of stress. However, if you feel these changes and shifts are more frequent and stronger than usual, you must consult a doctor. While bipolar disorder might be challenging to diagnose, such symptoms can contribute to its diagnosis. If you cannot contact a doctor during an episode, you can ask a friend or family member to do so on your behalf.

The best way to cope with mania and hypomania, and control its symptoms, is by making significant changes in your lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you manage your symptoms:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: The first part is to ensure a healthy and balanced diet. While suffering from manic episodes, or facing sharp mood shifts, avoid eating unhealthy food. Include fruits and vegetables with enough protein in your daily diet.
• Consider Physical Activities: Physical activities and workouts often help divert your mind from stress, relaxing it to some extent. Therefore, you should ensure regular physical activities, like jogging and walking.
• Maintain a Healthy Sleep Routine: A healthy sleep routine improves mental health. For example, when you are suffering from mania or hypomania, you will likely experience insomnia. You can seek sleep medication during this time.
• Conduct Research: As bipolar disorder can be highly unpredictable with the episodes, you can try to cope with it by conducting regular research. Your research will allow you to predict the probability of the attacks and take measures to cope with their intensity.
• Maintain Mood Diary and Journals: You can keep track of your changing moods and mental state by recording them. For this, you need to maintain a diary and describe your mood at a specific time of the day. This can be a reference during your treatment and help you identify the patterns.
• Reach Out for Help: You should always contact your close friends and family during this period. They can help you with medication and even contact the doctor when you have major manic episodes.

Hopefully, now you know all about mania vs hypomania. As this article pointed out, the main difference between the two is the intensity of the symptoms and attacks. It would help if you always looked for such signs, especially when dealing with bipolar disorder. Then, the doctor should be able to control your episodes with proper treatment.