Hypomania Definition

Hypomania is a mild manic state, usually associated with mood disorders. Neither madness nor possession as once thought, it is an identifiable and treatable illness.

Etymology

• The term hypomania combines the Greek word "hypo" (under) and the Latin word "mania" (madness).

Features

• Mood disorders usually occur when brain processes malfunction, creating chemical imbalance. Mania is a distinct period of extreme happiness coupled with over-activity and impaired judgment. Sufferers operate very quickly, thoughts and speech shifting topic rapidly.

Identification

• Hypomania is a milder form of mania; the euphoria isn't as strong or long-lasting and can quickly morph into irritability. A sufferer might not even realize anything is wrong, feeling quite good. However, untreated, it could develop into severe mania or depression.

Types

• According to NIMH, hypomania is most frequently associated with milder forms of bipolar disorder, wherein the brain alternates between mania and depression. In these milder manifestations, full-blown manic or mixed episodes are rare; cycling between hypomania or depression is most common.

Treatments

• Present treatments usually fall into two types: somatic therapies (medications) or psychotherapies (talk therapies).