Expansive Mood: A Review of the Neurobiology and Treatment Implications
Abstract
Expansive mood is a symptom of mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, that is characterized by a feeling of grandiosity, increased energy and decreased need for sleep. This article reviews the neurobiological basis of expansive mood and its implications for treatment. Research suggests that expansive mood is associated with increased levels of dopamine, serotonin, and/or norepinephrine activity in the brain. Treatment interventions for expansive mood include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and lifestyle modifications. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the implications of expansive mood, as it can be a sign of an underlying mood disorder that requires treatment.
Keywords: expansive mood, bipolar disorder, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine
Introduction
Expansive mood is a symptom of mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, that is characterized by a feeling of grandiosity, increased energy and decreased need for sleep (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). It is also known as “high”, “mania”, or “hypomania” (APA, 2013). In the scope of this article, expansive mood will refer to the symptom of mania or hypomania. Expansive mood can be a sign of an underlying mood disorder and it is important for clinicians to be aware of its implications for treatment.
Neurobiological Basis
Expansive mood is associated with increased levels of dopamine, serotonin, and/or norepinephrine activity in the brain (Grunze et al., 2008; Miyamoto et al., 2005). Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in the reward system and is thought to be involved in the development of expansive mood (Grunze et al., 2008). Norepinephrine is also a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of mood and is thought to be involved in the development of expansive mood (Miyamoto et al., 2005). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of mood and is thought to be involved in the development of expansive mood (Grunze et al., 2008).
Treatment Implications
Expansive mood can be treated with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Pharmacological strategies for treating expansive mood include the use of mood stabilizers, such as lithium and valproate, and antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine (APA, 2013). Non-pharmacological strategies for treating expansive mood include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and lifestyle modifications (APA, 2013). It is important to note that these strategies should be tailored to the individual and their specific needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, expansive mood is a symptom of mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder, that is characterized by a feeling of grandiosity, increased energy and decreased need for sleep. Research suggests that expansive mood is associated with increased levels of dopamine, serotonin, and/or norepinephrine activity in the brain. Treatment interventions for expansive mood include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and lifestyle modifications. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the implications of expansive mood, as it can be a sign of an underlying mood disorder that requires treatment.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Grunze, H., Vieta, E., Goodwin, G. M., Bowden, C. L., Licht, R. W., Möller, H.-J., & Kasper, S. (2008). The world federation of societies of biological psychiatry (WFSBP) guidelines for the biological treatment of bipolar disorders: Update 2009 on the treatment of acute mania. The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry, 9(2), 85-116.
Miyamoto, S., Duncan, G. E., Marx, C. E., & Lieberman, J. A. (2005). A critical appraisal of animal models of mania. Bipolar Disorders, 7(7), 576-588.