Ipomania

Ipomania is a term sometimes used in non-English medical literature to refer to hypomania, a milder form of mania associated with bipolar disorder. In English-language psychiatry, the standard term is hypomania. Hypomania describes a distinct mood state characterized by elevated or expansive mood, increased energy, and heightened activity that lasts for a defined period and is observable by others, but does not include the marked impairment or psychotic features that define mania.

Symptoms of hypomania typically include inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, a decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, rapid flow of ideas, distractibility, and a rise in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation. Individuals may engage in high-risk activities or exhibit unusually productive or creative behavior. These symptoms are present for at least four consecutive days and represent a noticeable change from the person's baseline functioning.

Hypomania is most commonly associated with bipolar II disorder, where it alternates with episodes of major depression. It can also appear in cyclothymia or as part of the bipolar spectrum. Because hypomania does not cause severe impairment or psychotic symptoms, it may go unreported or be seen by the person as a period of heightened productivity. However, hypomanic episodes can progress to full mania or signal an underlying bipolar condition that requires treatment.

Diagnosis typically relies on clinical assessment using criteria such as those in the DSM-5 or ICD-11, after ruling out substance effects or other medical conditions. Treatment often involves mood stabilizers (for example, lithium or lamotrigine), atypical antipsychotics, psychotherapy, and lifestyle management. Antidepressants are used with caution due to the risk of inducing hypomania or mania.