Mania/Hypomania

Mania has several meanings, but for this reference work, it is defined as one of the two conditions inherent to the concept of bipolar disorder, also previously called manic-depressive illness or manic-depressive psychosis. Mania implies primarily an affective or mood state characterized by expansive euphoria, elation, increased psychomotor activity, restlessness, increased frequency and speed of thinking and speaking, eventual presence of delusional thoughts, and an overall (albeit superficial) level of enthusiasm, energy, loquaciousness, and increased vegetative functions such as eating, or libidinal impulses.

The manic individual appears to exude endless optimism, or utters grandiose ideas (sometimes reaching a delusional state) such as being a hero, a genius, a potentate, a beauty, or a big political or sports figure. The individual smiles or laughs, speaks loudly, shows inflated self-esteem, makes irrelevant remarks, does not pay attention to the impact of his/her