Hypomania
Posted on: June 27th, 2013
With any mental illness, symptoms can range from subtle to extreme. A common thread from one of my previous blogs is that understated symptoms of a condition can have just as devastating an effect on the individual and family as a more pronounced form of the illness. An excellent example is hypomania, typically defined as a state in which a person exhibits a greater sense of well- being and productivity. In reality, hypomania is the less distinct “high” of bipolar disorder.
Hypomania often goes undiagnosed, and individuals that suffer from it are mistakenly perceived as persons with high energy, an upbeat attitude, or the “life of the party.” Looked at more carefully, other traits of hypomania are a person talking rapidly, exhibiting egotistical behavior, making incredibly ambitious plans, and persistently functioning on little sleep.
Two significant risks of hypomania are that it can often evolve into full-fledged bipolar disorder. In addition, the associated behaviors of hypomania can be quite destructive and last for days. The person’s conduct may turn aggressive when around others; he or she might exhibit financial or general irresponsibility, and there is an ostensible change in mood. People suffering from hypomania have even been known to quit their jobs because of an unrealistic ambition or whim.
If a person you know exhibits the symptoms of hypomania, contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy for a preliminary consultation. Hypomania can be successfully diagnosed and treated, but its subtleties can be difficult to navigate and warrant the guidance of a professional.
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