C. Hypomania – Explanation
The symptoms here are representative of hypomania which can be thought of as
a milder form of mania. With hypomania, there is higher than normal energy
levels but they do not generally lead to hospitalization whereas manic episodes
usually last for a week or more and may result in hospitalization.
Usually, if the stem includes grandiose ideas, hallucinations or delusions PLUS
elevated moods, then pick mania, otherwise pick hypomania.
It is especially important to remember that hypomania does NOT present with
hallucinations or delusions. This would often be the difference between picking
mania and picking hypomania as the answer.
| Mania | Hypomania |
|---|---|
| Abnormally elevated mood | A lesser degree of mania with persistent mild elevation of mood and increased activity and energy |
| Hallucinations of delusions | No hallucinations or delusions |
| Significant impairment of the patient’s day-to-day functioning |
No significant impairment of the patient’s day-to-day functioning |
These are classic signs of mania and hypomania:
• Elevated mood
• Irritability
•Increased energy and activity →This may be seen as increased performance at
work
or socially
• Increased self-esteem
• Increased sociability and talkativeness
• Increased sex drive
• Reduced need for sleep
• Difficulty in focusing on one task alone (tasks often started, but not finished)
The presence of psychotic symptoms differentiates mania from hypomania
Psychotic symptoms
• Delusions of grandeur
• Auditory hallucinations
Remember, for the exam:
• If you see a patient with high moods → Likely to be hypomania
•If you see a patient with high moods and other times depressive moods →
Likely to be
bipolar disorder
•If you see a patient with high moods and psychotic symptoms → Likely to be
mania
