Hypomania: symptoms and their relationship with bipolar disorder

Euphoria, hyperactivity, overflowing energy, inability to sleep or rest because the mind does not stop having ideas, hyperempathy, excessive verbiage… Hypomania is an important characteristic of a very specific type of bipolar disorderHowever, their diagnosis is not easy because often the behavior of these people is fully functional and does not attract excessive attention.

Many people take decades to have an accurate diagnosis., in having a name for what happens to them and that for so long has made them feel different from others. Because for those who live with hypomania, their world moves at a different pace, at a faster pace and in which physical and mental rest barely has a place. It is a state in which emotions are too intense and everything disturbs, to the point that many end up hating themselves.

Today we know of the great clinical relevance of detecting hypomania as early as possible, as part of type II bipolar disorder. If we do not do so or if we confuse this state with classic hyperactivity or if we focus only on the depression phase, it can lead to extreme cases..

Let’s get to know a little more about this situation of constant exaltation.

Hypomania, what is it, what are its symptoms?

We all experience mood swings, it’s true. There are days when we feel more energetic and positive and moments when reality is covered in gray. Where is the limit then? How to differentiate what is normal from that state that is already pathological and requires specific treatment?

The limit is the impact that both the emotional and behavioral states have on our lives. However, the complicated thing about this fact is that Sometimes we “normalize” situations that should be addressed and, in turn, we associate behaviors with personality styles thinking that if a person acts that way it is because of their character.

All of these dynamics frequently appear in people with hypomania. An example: if a brother, a best friend or our partner never rests from work or decides to go running at night instead of sleeping, we can tell ourselves ““It’s just that they have always been this hyperactive.”. When what may be behind that situation is a psychological disorder. We analyze it.

What is hypomania?

Hypomania is a state characterized by a mood dominated by effusiveness, the exaltation of a dynamism in which emotions are intense, ideas do not stop emerging and the person demonstrates a very characteristic extroversion. At the same time, hyperempathy also arises, that ability to connect with other people’s emotions and be infected by them.

Now, something that can undoubtedly catch our attention about this term is the prefix “hiccup.” This nuance is important and appears to differentiate it from the classic “mania.” In these cases, hypomanic behavior is less extreme than that of the person experiencing a manic phase. That is, psychotic outbreaks do not arise and the behavior on average is usually functional.

Likewise, it is important to highlight that Hypomania usually appears as a characteristic phase of bipolar II disorder.

What symptoms does it present?

As we have pointed out, It is common for the person with hypomania to be fully functional. What does this mean? It means that we can have men and women who not only perform well at work. Their hyperactivity can cause them to be highly creative, work more hours than necessary, etc.

Let’s see more symptoms and manifestations:

Mild states of euphoria.Excessive verbosity, They are people who tend to talk excessively, who go from one idea to another. They are very creative.Accelerated thinking.They tend to be impulsive. High self-esteem.They sleep very few hours.They present an activity aimed at achieving goals and social success (more friends, partners, sexual encounters, success at work…). Attention problems.

The importance of a correct diagnosis

Hypomania constitutes one of the phases of bipolar disorder type II. However, as we have already pointed out, its diagnosis is not simple. When a person asks for help, he does not do it because of that hyperactivity, because of that state of euphoria. They generally do it when they reach the depression phase.

Therefore, the most common thing is that they receive attention focused on that depressive disorder exclusively. That is why something very simple is recommended: It is necessary to always look for possible signs of hypomania in anyone who presents depressive symptoms.

Furthermore, studies such as those carried out in the psychiatry unit of the Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Madrid recommend the use of appropriate scales and instruments to promote early detection of hypomania.

For its part, the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) establishes the following diagnostic criteria:

Show a during a minimum period of 4 days an elevated mood with a notable increase in energy.Having three or more of the following symptoms extend over a significant period of time: High self-esteem Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep) Excessive verbosity Racing thoughts Attention problems Focused behavior and almost obsessive towards certain objectives. Irresponsible behaviors. These behaviors They must not be the result of the consumption of certain substances or effect of certain drugs.

How is hypomania treated?

Hypomania is not a disorder in itself, it is a manifestation of bipolar disorder type II. Likewise, it is interesting to know that this is one of the psychiatric conditions with the greatest resources for its treatment.

We have drugs to treat both hypomania itself and the phases of depression with very good results. On the other hand, psychotherapy is also essential to develop new skills, manage emotions, thoughts and improve your relationships.

The most important thing in all cases is to always have an accurate diagnosis.

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