Diagnosis of Mania


There is no doubt that at some point of time or the other, everyone gets elated and excited, talkative or irritable. Even if these episodes last a while, they are not all indicative of mania. During a manic episode, manic and depressive are symptoms sustained and can last for at up to a week. Moods become highly exaggerated and have no basis in reality. The key to an accurate diagnosis of mania is to recognize the abnormality of the symptoms and their severity over a period of time.
 
In addition to symptoms of mania lasting for a week and, at least one of the following symptoms should be present in order to diagnose the condition as mania:

  • If manic symptoms are hampering regular functioning. For example, if the person concerned is not going to school or work or ignoring all responsibilities
  • If symptoms are so severe that hospitalization is required
  • There are accompanying symptoms of psychosis such as paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations

References
  1. W. Greil, W. Ludwig-Mayerhofer, N. Erazo, C. Schöchlin, S. Schmidt, R.R. Engel, A. Czernik, H. Giedke, B. Müller-Oerlinghausen, M. Osterheider, G.A.E. Rudolf, H. Sauer, J. Tegeler, T. Wetterling, Lithium versus carbamazepine in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorders – a randomized study, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 43, Issue 2, 1 April 1997, Pages 151-161, ISSN 0165-0327, 10.1016/S0165-0327(96)01427-9.
  2. Colleen Loo, Natalie Katalinic, Philip B. Mitchell, Benjamin Greenberg, Physical treatments for bipolar disorder: A review of electroconvulsive therapy, stereotactic surgery and other brain stimulation techniques, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 132, Issues 1–2, July 2011, Pages 1-13, ISSN 0165-0327, 10.1016/j.jad.2010.08.017.
  3. Carmen Andreescu, Benoit H. Mulsant, James E. Emanuel, Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of bipolar disorder — A review of the evidence, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 110, Issues 1–2, September 2008, Pages 16-26, ISSN 0165-0327, 10.1016/j.jad.2008.03.015.