Maniavaiheiden

Maniavaiheiden refers to manic episodes, a core feature of bipolar disorder. These episodes are characterized by a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least one week and present most of the day, nearly every day. During a manic episode, individuals may experience symptoms such as inflated self-esteem or grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, more talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking, flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing, distractibility, increase in goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation, and excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, such as engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments.

These episodes can significantly impair social, occupational, or other functioning and may necessitate hospitalization to prevent harm to self or others, or if there are psychotic features present. Manic episodes are a critical diagnostic criterion for bipolar I disorder. The severity and duration of manic episodes can vary, and they can be preceded or followed by hypomanic episodes or depressive episodes. Understanding manic episodes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of bipolar disorder, which often involves mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and psychotherapy.