Manic EpisodeA Manic Episode is characterized by: An abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that endures for at least 1 week, or until hospitalization is required (which may be less than 1 week). The distinguishing mood, which is a significant change in mood from what the adolescent normally experiences, must be accompanied by at least 3 of the following symptoms in order for a diagnosis of BPI to be made: - Inflated self-esteem or grandiose delusions (may believe he or she has a special relationship with famous people, or God; may believe he or she has special powers or skills that have no basis in fact)
- Decreased need for sleep (patient may awaken after a few hours of sleep and feel full of energy)
- Pressured speech (non-stop, rapid, loud, sometimes incoherent speech that is difficult to interrupt, and may continue in the absence of a listener)
- Flight of ideas (jumps from one topic to another, often without a discernable transition)
- Distractibility
- Physical agitation
- Seeking and carrying out pleasurable or sensation-seeking activities that would normally be avoided due to inherent negative consequences (sexual promiscuity, driving at absurd speeds, stealing, buying large quantities of unneeded items, and the like)
- Taking on multiple activities simultaneously, which often includes increased social activities, such as calling friends or strangers in the middle of the night
- Irritability (marked with complaints, angry tirades, and possibly violence)
- Hallucinations (a loss of contact with reality, such as hearing voices or seeing visions that occur only within one's mind)
The symptoms cause marked impairment of functioning that is obvious to others, but not necessarily to the adolescent. Moods may shift quickly or may last for extended periods of time. Teens and young adults are particularly prone to rapidly changing moods, and periods of extreme irritability and explosiveness. Summary and meaning for you as a parent:
If your child has experienced what you believe to be a manic episode, based on the criteria listed above, and even if he or she has never experienced a serious depression (see criteria list below), you should reach out for professional help. It is very important to treat BP as quickly as possible, but the sad truth is that the average individual suffering from BP does not have a correct diagnosis and treatment until 11 or more years after the first symptoms occur. More information on Bipolar Disorder:
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