Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPreventionCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definitions
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Coping
Maniaandhypomaniaare both symptoms ofbipolar disorderin which you have a period of abnormally elevated moods, emotions, and energy levels. Mania is a more severe form associated withbipolar 1 disorder, while hypomania is a milder form that is part ofbipolar 2 disorder.
Differentiating mania from hypomania is important as it may influence treatment decisions.
This article describes the similarities and differences between mania and hypomania, including how they are diagnosed and treated. It also explains how manic and hypomanic episodes are prevented and ways to cope if and when they occur.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
What Are Hypomania and Mania?
Hypomania and mania are episodes of rapid, exaggerated elevations in mood and energy levels in people with bipolar disorder. Mania is more severe and potentially longer lasting than hypomania.
According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5), hypomania is distinct from mania in that a person can be fully functional with hypomania but not with mania.
In severe cases, a person with mania may require hospitalization due to symptoms ofpsychosis. This a severe mental illness that causesdelusions,hallucinations, and a general break from reality.
Symptoms of Hypomania vs. Mania
Mania and hypomania are similar, but the intensity and duration of symptoms vary considerably. Collectively, symptoms of mania and hypomania may include:
Beyond these generalized descriptions, mania and hypomania differ in three key ways according to criteria outlined in the DSM-5:
After having a manic or hypomanic episode, you may experience:
Causes of Hypomania and Mania
The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, although genetics and environment are thought to play a role. Genetics may account for 73% to 93% of cases to some degree.Psychological factors like childhood abuse, sexual trauma, or being raised in an unstable environment may also contribute.
Other potential triggers of hypomania and mania include:
How to Support Someone With Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosing Hypomania vs. Mania
Hypomania and mania are diagnosed based on thecriteria for bipolar disorderoutlined in the DSM-5. There are two major forms of bipolar disorder you can have:
To be diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder, you must have at least three of the seven symptoms listed in the DSM-5. Moreover, the mood disturbance must be severe enough to affect work or social functioning or require hospitalization.
To be diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder, you must also have at least three of the seven symptoms listed in the DSM-5. But although your symptoms may be noticeable to others, they are not so severe as to affect your work or social life or require hospitalization.
For the diagnosis to be conclusive, all other possible explanations for the manic or hypomanic symptoms must be excluded, such as a brain injury or substance abuse.
Treating Hypomania and Mania
Treatment may vary based on whether you have been diagnosed with bipolar 1 or bipolar 2 disorder. Mania tends to require more aggressive treatment than hypomania.
During a manic or hypomanic episode, you may be prescribed one or several of the following:
Preventing Hypomania and Mania
There may not be a way to prevent mania and hypomania completely, but you can avoid certain triggers that can increase your risk of a manic or hypomanic episode.
Preventive efforts may include:
Coping With Hypomania and Mania
There are coping strategies that can help you manage manic or hypomanic episodes more effectively. These include:
Summary
Hypomania and mania can both cause abnormally elevated moods, but hypomania is far less severe. Hypomania symptoms are facets of bipolar 2 disorder, while mania symptoms are characteristics of bipolar 1 disorder.
Hypomania and mania can benefit from medications used alone or in combination. Severe manic episodes may require hospitalization.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kendler KS.The clinical features of mania and their representation in modern diagnostic criteria.Psychol Med.2017;47(6):1013-1029. doi:10.1017/S0033291716003238Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Bobo WV.The diagnosis and management of bipolar I and II disorders: clinical practice update.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2017;92(1):1532-1551. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.06.022Hilty DM, Leamon MH, Lim RF, Kelly RH, Hales RE.A review of bipolar disorder in adults.Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2017;3(9):43–55.Cordeiro CR, Corte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardosa T.Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: a systematic review.J Psychiatr Res.2023 May:161:237-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.008Florida Center for Behavioral Health.DSM-5 criteria: bipolar disorders.Takeshima M.Treating mixed mania/hypomania: a review and synthesis of the evidence.CNS Spectr.2017;22(2):177-185. doi:10.1017/S1092852916000845HealthLinkBC.Bipolar disorder: preventing manic episodes.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kendler KS.The clinical features of mania and their representation in modern diagnostic criteria.Psychol Med.2017;47(6):1013-1029. doi:10.1017/S0033291716003238Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Bobo WV.The diagnosis and management of bipolar I and II disorders: clinical practice update.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2017;92(1):1532-1551. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.06.022Hilty DM, Leamon MH, Lim RF, Kelly RH, Hales RE.A review of bipolar disorder in adults.Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2017;3(9):43–55.Cordeiro CR, Corte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardosa T.Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: a systematic review.J Psychiatr Res.2023 May:161:237-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.008Florida Center for Behavioral Health.DSM-5 criteria: bipolar disorders.Takeshima M.Treating mixed mania/hypomania: a review and synthesis of the evidence.CNS Spectr.2017;22(2):177-185. doi:10.1017/S1092852916000845HealthLinkBC.Bipolar disorder: preventing manic episodes.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kendler KS.The clinical features of mania and their representation in modern diagnostic criteria.Psychol Med.2017;47(6):1013-1029. doi:10.1017/S0033291716003238Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Bobo WV.The diagnosis and management of bipolar I and II disorders: clinical practice update.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2017;92(1):1532-1551. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.06.022Hilty DM, Leamon MH, Lim RF, Kelly RH, Hales RE.A review of bipolar disorder in adults.Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2017;3(9):43–55.Cordeiro CR, Corte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardosa T.Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: a systematic review.J Psychiatr Res.2023 May:161:237-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.008Florida Center for Behavioral Health.DSM-5 criteria: bipolar disorders.Takeshima M.Treating mixed mania/hypomania: a review and synthesis of the evidence.CNS Spectr.2017;22(2):177-185. doi:10.1017/S1092852916000845HealthLinkBC.Bipolar disorder: preventing manic episodes.
Kendler KS.The clinical features of mania and their representation in modern diagnostic criteria.Psychol Med.2017;47(6):1013-1029. doi:10.1017/S0033291716003238
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.
Bobo WV.The diagnosis and management of bipolar I and II disorders: clinical practice update.Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2017;92(1):1532-1551. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.06.022
Hilty DM, Leamon MH, Lim RF, Kelly RH, Hales RE.A review of bipolar disorder in adults.Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2017;3(9):43–55.
Cordeiro CR, Corte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardosa T.Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: a systematic review.J Psychiatr Res.2023 May:161:237-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.008
Florida Center for Behavioral Health.DSM-5 criteria: bipolar disorders.
Takeshima M.Treating mixed mania/hypomania: a review and synthesis of the evidence.CNS Spectr.2017;22(2):177-185. doi:10.1017/S1092852916000845
HealthLinkBC.Bipolar disorder: preventing manic episodes.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
