Addictions and mental illnesses rarely exist in one form; rather, they almost always exist in stages, ranging from the least severe to the most aggressive. This also applies to mania. There are four stages of mania, and they all differ in characteristics and levels of intensity.
What Is Mania?
Mania is a symptom of mental illness, stressful or traumatic situations, and/or substance use disorder (SUD). According to the publication titled Mania by authors Dailey and Saadabadi, “Mania, or a manic phase, is a period of 1 week or more in which a person experiences a change in behavior that drastically affects their functioning… The defining characteristics of mania are increased talkativeness, rapid speech, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, distractibility, increase in goal-directed activity, and psychomotor agitation. Some other hallmarks of mania are an elevated or expansive mood, mood lability, impulsivity, irritability, and grandiosity.” While it can manifest via different causes, the most common is bipolar I disorder.
Bipolar I disorder is most associated with mania. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), “Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last for at least seven days (nearly every day for most of the day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate medical care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least two weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible.” Bipolar I is also associated with the most intense stages of mania.
Understanding the Four Stages of Mania
There are four stages (or “forms”) of mania. These stages include hypomania, acute mania, delusional mania, and delirious mania.
The stages of mania can inform professionals about how long a period of mania may last or what type of disorder the individual may be struggling with.
The Stages of Mania: Hypomania
Hypomania does not technically meet the criteria for a full manic episode. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Hypomania is “[a] distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least four consecutive days and present most of the day, nearly every day.”
SAMHSA also explains that at least 4 of 7 specific symptoms must be present. These symptoms are as follows:
- Inflated self-esteem or feelings of grandiosity
- A decreased need for sleep and feeling rested after only a short amount of sleep
- Talking more than usual
- Having “racing” or uncontrollable thoughts
- Being easily distracted
- An increase in goal-oriented activities
- Engaging in risk behaviors, such as risky sexual activities or excessive buying “sprees”
The Stages of Mania: Acute Mania
Acute mania is the presence of mania that meets the diagnostic criteria. It is when a manic episode first starts. It is also the most common type of mania to be experienced by someone who is starting to have a manic episode due to bipolar I disorder.
Someone with acute mania should be treated as soon as possible. According to Bipolar Disorder by authors Jain and Mitra, “Initial treatment [of acute mania] is aimed at stabilization of the potentially or acutely agitated patient to help de-escalate distress, mitigate potentially dangerous behavior, and facilitate the patient assessment and evaluation. When possible, a calming environment with minimal stimuli should be provided. Adjunctive benzodiazepines may be used concomitantly with mood stabilizers and antipsychotic drugs to reduce agitation and promote sleep.” Similar treatment should be initiated with delusional and delirious mania.
The Stages of Mania: Delusional Mania and Delirious Mania
Delusional mania and delirious mania are technically types of acute mania; however, they represent the most severe end of the spectrum of acute mania.
These stages of mania are represented by their namesakes. Delusional mania is slightly less severe than delirious mania but still needs immediate medical attention. According to Bipolar Disorders, “Delirious mania is a syndrome of the acute onset of the excitement, grandiosity, emotional lability, delusions, and insomnia characteristic of mania, and the disorientation and altered consciousness characteristic of delirium.”
Succeeding in the Long Term With The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term recovery rather than short-term “fixes.” This is also true in our long-term recovery plans for clients who struggle with mania and its related disorders.
We must always remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. That journey can start on the right foot, right away, right here, at The Phoenix Recovery Center.
There are four stages of mania – hypomania, acute mania, delusional mania, and delirious mania. It is important to get help for mania as soon as possible as one stage of mania can quickly shift to the next more severe stage without proper mental health care and treatment. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with one of the stages of mania or any other issue of mental illness or addiction, we can help you get on the positive path to long-term recovery. For more information on ways to treat any of the stages of mania, please reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
