From the Guidelines
Hypomania is a mood state characterized by abnormally elevated energy, mood, and behavior that is less severe than full mania, typically involving persistent elevated or irritable mood, increased activity, racing thoughts, reduced need for sleep, talkativeness, and sometimes poor judgment, lasting at least four days, as seen in Bipolar Type II Disorder 1.
Key Characteristics of Hypomania
- Persistent elevated or irritable mood
- Increased activity
- Racing thoughts
- Reduced need for sleep
- Talkativeness
- Sometimes poor judgment
Diagnosis and Association
Hypomania is often associated with Bipolar Type II Disorder, which is defined by the occurrence of at least one hypomanic episode and at least one depressive episode 1. It can also occur in cyclothymia or as a side effect of antidepressants.
Treatment and Management
Treatment often includes mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, and lifestyle management.
- Mood stabilizers: lithium, valproate, or lamotrigine
- Psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy
- Lifestyle management: regular sleep patterns, stress reduction, avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, and maintaining routine Early recognition and treatment are important to prevent progression to full mania and to maintain stability in mood and functioning.
From the Research
Definition of Hypomania
- Hypomania is a state characterized by an elevated or irritable mood, which is less severe than mania 2.
- It is often associated with bipolar disorder, but can also occur in other conditions, such as borderline personality disorder or as a side effect of certain medications 3, 4.
Characteristics of Hypomania
- Hypomania is typically marked by a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, lasting at least 4 consecutive days 4.
- Symptoms may include increased energy, reduced need for sleep, and impulsive behavior 2, 5.
- Hypomania can be triggered by various factors, including medication, stress, or substance use 2, 6.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypomania
- Diagnosis of hypomania is based on clinical evaluation and may involve the use of standardized rating scales, such as the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) 6.
- Treatment of hypomania typically involves mood stabilizers, such as lithium or valproate, and may also include antipsychotics or antidepressants in certain cases 3, 5.
- Psychosocial interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may also be effective in managing hypomania and preventing relapse 3, 5.