Manic State: A Comprehensive Overview
Manic states are a form of mental health disorder characterized by periods of elevated or irritable mood, accompanied by an increased level of energy, and often accompanied by decreased need for sleep and other changes in behavior. The primary diagnostic criteria for mania are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). This article provides an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of manic states.
Symptoms
Manic states are marked by periods of elevated or irritable mood, often accompanied by an increase in energy level and a decreased need for sleep. Other common symptoms include increased talking, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, increased goal-directed activities, and distractibility. Additionally, individuals may engage in high-risk behavior, such as spending sprees, hypersexuality, and reckless driving, among others.
Diagnosis
The DSM-5 outlines the criteria for a manic episode. To meet the criteria for this disorder, a person must experience a period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that must last at least one week. The individual must also experience an increase in goal-directed activities or energy, increased talkativeness, and decreased need for sleep. Additionally, three of the following symptoms must also be present: inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, racing thoughts, or an increase in goal-directed activities that are likely to have a negative outcome.
Treatment
Treatment for manic states typically involves psychopharmacological interventions such as mood-stabilizing medications, such as lithium, and atypical antipsychotics, such as quetiapine. Additionally, psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family-based interventions may be used to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
Conclusion
Manic states are a form of mental health disorder characterized by periods of elevated or irritable mood, increased energy level, and decreased need for sleep. Symptoms include inflated self-esteem, increased goal-directed activities, and distractibility. Diagnosis is made when criteria outlined in the DSM-5 are met. Treatment typically involves psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. With appropriate treatment, individuals can experience improved functioning.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Fink, C., & McElroy, S. (2013). Mood stabilizers. In S. Goldstein & C. Fink (Eds.), Psychiatric secrets (pp. 253-267). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
Goodman, M., & Coffey, S. (2016). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 39(2), 277-291.
Goldberg, J. F., & Garno, J. L. (2015). Family interventions for bipolar disorder. Current Psychiatry Reports, 17(9), 595.
McElroy, S., & Frye, M. (2015). Bipolar disorder: Overview of pharmacotherapy. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 21(5), 332-346.