Hypomania can be seen as a mood state or cluster of symptoms that occurs in people who have Bipolar disorder, especially Bipolar II disorder. It is similar to mania in that both states are characterized by elevated, either unusually happy or irritable mood. However, it is different from mania in that it is shorter lasting, not as intense, and not as impairing.
Hypomania typically last a few days but less than a week. However, those on medication or with the rapid cycling subtype of Bipolar may have episodes of hypomania that only last for several hours to a couple of days.
A couple examples of hypomania include the college student who is normally shy who suddenly becomes much more social, stays up into the wee hours of the night studying or socializing, who is constantly running on less sleep than usual, goes on many shopping trips, and who is so focused on goal directed activity she often doesn’t eat until 1-2 in the afternoon. Another example is the professional that works two jobs, one involving 12 hour shifts, who still manages to have the energy to go to the gym 3 times a week after work, who is excessively driven, excessively anxious, and who spends hundreds of dollars on clothes within a short time period.
As you can see, Hypomania is characterized by many different signs and symptoms. These can look very different in a variety of people with Bipolar. Some of the signs and symptoms are: reduced need for sleep, irritability, unusually happy mood, increase in productivity or goal directed activity, increased self-esteem, increased spending and/or other impulsive behaviors, increased risk taking (this can be in the form of physical feats or more emotional as in excessive self-disclosure), excessive talking, racing thoughts.
My hope is that this article sheds some light on what it is like for those who experience hypomania episodes as part of their Bipolar condition.
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