Mania

Mania may be used colloquially to refer to any deviant behavior, but in the field of psychology, mania refers to physical and emotional agitation, overactivity, and excitability, and is frequently accompanied by impulsivity and poor decision-making.

What Causes Mania?

Mania is a symptom of a variety of mental health conditions, most notably bipolar (frequently referred to as manic depression). It can also be induced by substance abuse, some prescription medications, and some nutrient deficiencies. The DSM-IV lists mania as a symptom of a variety of mental health diagnoses, including:

• Bipolar
• Schizophrenia
• Psychosis
• Substance Abuse

A related symptom, hypomania, involves less pronounced symptoms of mania and may be an isolated symptom or a symptom of a mania-related disorder. Unusual quantities or processing of dopamine and norepinephrine have played a role in mania in some brain studies, though the precise cause of all forms of mania is still not well understood.

What are the Symptoms of Mania?

Mania correlates with an elevated mood, increased activity, and agitation. Common symptoms of mania include:

• An “up” mood that may manifest as extreme joy, extreme aggression, or hyperactivity
• Poor decision-making, such as compulsive shopping or gambling
• Decreased sleep
• Impulsive behavior
• Increased physical activity and the ability to remain active for longer periods than usual

Is There Treatment for Mania?

Treatment of mania depends upon its cause. Antipsychotic medication and mood stabilizers are frequently effective. Patients suffering from bipolar may struggle with both depression and mania, but antidepressants may exacerbate symptoms. Lithium is among the most popularly prescribed drugs to treat mania, but it can have serious side effects. Some clinicians prescribe anticonvulsants or anti-anxiety medications to treat mania. Lifestyle changes and psychotherapy may effectively treat less severe forms of mania, but frequent episodes of mania are most typically treated with some variety of prescription medication.

References:

1. American Psychological Association. APA concise dictionary of psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2009. Print.
2. Manic Episode: DSM IV Criteria. (n.d.). Manic episode: DSM IV criteria. Retrieved from http://www.mental-health-today.com/bp/man.htm

Last Updated: 08-11-2015