About Hypomanic Bipolar Disorder

Hypomanic individuals are often creative and productive--even overproductive. Many famous people have been suspected of suffering from hypomanic bipolar disorder, including Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickins, Vincent van Gogh, Ludwig van Beethoven and Abraham Lincoln. While each of these men achieved greatness, they each suffered mood swings throughout their lives. Hypomanic bipolar disorder can, to some extent, be credited for many great advances and for works of art. However, the disorder can be a disabling illness if left untreated. As is often true, what goes up must eventually come down.

Definition of Hypomania

• Hypomania is a mild to moderate form of mania. People exhibiting mania characteristics tend to act with fewer inhibitions; they enjoy a persistent good mood that is higher than normal and persists for no apparent reason. Manic people often stay busy, even overproductive when compared to others. With hypomania, the symptoms are the same, only less severe and with tendencies lasting for shorter durations. Hypomanic people generally exhibit no psychotic behavior and, as a result, suffer fewer disabilities due to the condition.
  At its high points, hypomania feels good, and the hypomanic person accomplishes a lot. However, untreated hypomania often develops mood swings resulting in prolonged periods of lows. If left untreated, hypomania can become depression.

Hypomanic Bipolar Disorder

• Mania is commonly associated with bipolar disorders. In hypomanic bipolar disorders, the highs in the mood swings are less severe. While energy and activity levels tend to run high in people with hypomanic bipolar disorder, they are not prone to hallucinations or delusions. While people with this condition do not lose their sense of reality, they may, however, overestimate their own abilities and ignore obvious risks.

Potential Signs of Hypomanic Bipolar Disorder

• Hypomanic bipolar disorder may manifest itself as unnatural happiness and a sense of inflated ego. People affected by this disorder may overestimate their abilities and make more plans than they can carry out. They might also abuse alcohol and spend too much time in the pursuit of worldly pleasures. These people stay busy, wishing they could do even more things at once and tend to require less sleep. While being goal-orientated, they also take on numerous responsibilities. And people with hypomanic bipolar disorder may also be overly sensitive.
  While the signs are not necessarily negative traits--in many instances they are positive and even admirable traits--the danger lies in letting hypomania develop into depression. In a downwardly swinging mood, risks of suicide increase.

Dealing with Hypomanic Bipolar Disorder

• People with hypomanic bipolar disorder can do some things to help cope with the disorder. Get a good night's sleep. Remember to never jump to an important decision, but to wait and think it through. This is especially important in regards to finances; do not spend money rashly. If possible, have someone more responsible handle financial affairs. Focus thoughts and activities more keenly. To help with this, avoid overly stimulating environments, like bars and clubs. Seek out more relaxing and calming activities, like tai chi or yoga. Avoid excessive consumption of sugar, caffeine and alcohol--the stimulants and depressants. And seek a doctor's help.
  After experiencing a hypomanic episode, remember to be true to yourself--to make that thought a mantra to center and focus the mind. Do not lay unnecessary, personal blame, but remember that any actions were the result of the disorder. Take whatever time is necessary to get back to a normal routine. Go through your personal environment and remove those things that stimulate or depress you and replace them with things that generate a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere. Talk to relatives and friends about what you are going through. Exercise, because it releases endorphins and helps take your mind off things. Stay on your medication. If you are not taking medication, talk to a doctor to determine if you need it.

Treatment of Hypomanic Bipolar Disorder

• Typically, hypomanic bipolar disorder is treated with mood-stablizers. There are many different families of drugs for bipolar disorders, so the first drug prescribed might not work. It is important for the bipolar patient to discuss his feelings with his doctor until finding the right medication. Some examples of medications a doctor might prescribe include Topamax, Lamictal, Depakene or Risperdal. High doses of omega 3 fish oil has also been beneficial to some people.
  Because hypomania feels good, there is a danger the bipolar patient will stop taking his medications to regain that lost high. Friends and family can help by monitoring the bipolar patient and keeping a watch for the signs.