Mania is a medical condition that causes people to experience prolonged periods of extremely elevated moods. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as increased energy levels, unusual talkativeness, and little need for sleep. Other symptoms that typically accompany this disorder include inappropriate behavior, reckless spending, hyper sexuality, grandiose thinking, and racing thoughts. It is often associated with another medical condition known as bipolar disorder. In order to be diagnosed with mania, a person must display these symptoms continuously for at least one week.
Although many people experience elevated moods from time to time, mania is considered to be present when this elevation occurs for a prolonged period. Sufferers frequently experience a feeling of extreme happiness or joy that is disconnected from reality. A person experiencing a manic episode is often unable to return to normal without some type of medical intervention. This disorder is typically characterized by a significantly increased energy level along with excessive talking. People suffering from this condition may require as little as three hours of sleep per night and in extreme cases may go several days without sleeping at all.
Mania is characterized by several distinctive symptoms including inappropriate social behavior. Sufferers sometimes make crude remarks or use unsuitable humor during social gatherings. They often go on reckless spending sprees such as buying expensive, extravagant items they cannot afford. A person may also engage in increased or unusual sexual activities during a manic episode.
Persons suffering from this condition may also engage in grandiose thinking during these episodes and come to believe that they are a great artist or writer. Other symptoms of mania may include periods of racing thoughts or an extremely short attention span. Those suffering from mania often become excited, irritable, or hostile for no apparent reason. They may also dress and act in a flamboyant manner at times.
Mania is frequently associated with a condition known as bipolar disorder. This illness is also known as manic depression because of its characteristic mood swings. Manic episodes resulting from bipolar disorder are usually accompanied by a period of major depression. The shift between manic and depressive episodes can sometimes occur suddenly. These extreme mood swings are often triggered by life events, medications, or illicit drug use.
Medical experts believe that a person must display manic symptoms for at least one week to be diagnosed with mania. Medical treatment is available for this disorder and typically consists of some type of mood stabilizer. In extreme cases, a person may also experience hallucinations or delusions. These additional symptoms may require involuntary hospitalization for observation and treatment.