|  | Mental Health | Bipolar Disorder

Can You Have a Hypomanic Episode Without Being Bipolar?

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM 4), hypomania is characterized by elevation in mood, increased talkativeness, and restless energy. It is a less severe form of the mania commonly experienced by people with bipolar disorder. If you have a hypomanic episode you might not experience it as troublesome, but others around you may. It could be a symptom of bipolar disorder, particularly if it causes distress to you or those around you, or interferes with functioning.

  1. Hypomania in Bipolar II Disorder

    • According to the DSM 4, if you have a hypomanic episode and you have ever had one or more major depressive episodes, you may have bipolar II disorder. Whether you have the disorder or not depends on the frequency and severity of the hypomanic episodes. It also depends on a clinician's judgement, and one hypomanic episode that has no consequence may not result in a diagnosis.

    Hypomania in Bipolar Disorder

    • If you have recurrent hypomanic episodes but no depressive symptoms you may be diagnosed with bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.

    Cyclothymia and Bipolar Illness

    • If you have low-level, hypomanic symptoms and low-level depressive symptoms occuring in spurts, you may have cyclothymic disorder, which is a bipolar illness.

    Hypomania Caused by a Substance

    • A hypomanic episode can be caused by a drug or medication, or drug withdrawal. In these cases, a substance-induced mood disorder is diagnosed, not bipolar. If the hypomania continued after the exposure/withdrawal period is over, bipolar disorder may be diagnosed.

    Hypomania Caused by Another Condition

    • The DSM 4 states that mood disorder due to a general medical condition is diagnosed instead of bipolar if the hypomanic episode is caused by something like a thyroid disorder or a stroke. If the hypomanic episode is part of a psychotic disorder, then a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may not be made.

      If you experience mood-related symptoms you should seek the in-person advice and care of a medical or mental health professional.

Bipolar Disorder - Related Articles