hypomanic

Hypomania is a mood state described in psychiatric classifications as a less severe form of mania. The term hypomanic is used to characterize conditions or episodes of such mood elevation. In clinical use, hypomania refers to hypomanic episodes, most often in the context of bipolar disorders.

A hypomanic episode is defined as a distinct period, typically lasting at least four consecutive days, of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and increased energy or activity. During the period, at least three (four if the mood is primarily irritable) of the following symptoms are present: inflated self-esteem or grandiosity; decreased need for sleep; more talkative or pressured speech; flight of ideas or subjective racing thoughts; distractibility; increased goal-directed activity or psychomotor agitation; excessive involvement in activities with high potential for painful consequences. The episode is observable by others and represents a noticeable change in usual functioning, but it is not accompanied by marked impairment in social or occupational functioning and does not require hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features.

Hypomania distinguishes itself from mania by its relative severity; mania involves marked impairment, possible psychosis, or hospitalization. Hypomanic states commonly occur in bipolar II disorder, where depressive episodes alternate with hypomanic ones, and can also appear in cyclothymia as chronic, milder fluctuations. Management may include mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, and avoidance of precipitants; careful monitoring is important because hypomania can progress to full mania in some cases, especially with certain medications.