Hypomania vs. Mania: What's the Difference?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are Mania and Hypomania?SymptomsMania vs. HypomaniaDiagnosisHypomania and Mania TriggersCausesTreatmentCoping

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

What Are Mania and Hypomania?

Symptoms

Mania vs. Hypomania

Diagnosis

Hypomania and Mania Triggers

Causes

Treatment

Coping

Close

Mania involves extreme, elevated changes in mood, emotions, energy, and activity levels that occur in people with bipolar disorder. Hypomania is a form of mania that involves the same symptoms but is milder and usually shorter in duration.

At a GlanceMania and hypomania involve similar symptoms, but they differ in terms of severity and duration. Mania is more severe and lasts a week or more, while hypomania is less severe and typically lasts a few days. Being able to recognize the symptoms of mania and hypomania is important and will help your doctor determine which type of bipolar disorder you have.

At a Glance

Mania and hypomania involve similar symptoms, but they differ in terms of severity and duration. Mania is more severe and lasts a week or more, while hypomania is less severe and typically lasts a few days. Being able to recognize the symptoms of mania and hypomania is important and will help your doctor determine which type of bipolar disorder you have.

A manic episode may require hospitalization if the person becomes dangerous to themselves or others, developspsychosis, or experiencessuicidal thinking.

On the other hand, hypomania can be defined as a milder form of mania. It is a period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that lasts for at least four days and up to a week.

It has the same symptoms asmania; however, instead of being severe, it is mild enough that the person can usually function normally in daily activities.

Symptoms of Mania/Hypomania

Below is a list of symptoms that characterize mania or hypomania:

In addition, in the case of severe mania, people may experience psychosis, which is the loss of contact with reality. This can lead to delusions orhallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.

Psychosis may also involve delusions of persecution, such as the belief that people are plotting against you or delusional jealousy, where a person comes to believe their partner is unfaithful. In the case of hypomania, you will most likely not experience psychosis.

After a Manic/Hypomanic EpisodeAfter a manic or hypomanic episode, you may feel upset about your actions. You may have few memories of what happened during the manic/hypomanic episode. Now that your energy levels have decreased, you may feel tired and no longer have the energy to keep up with the plans you made during the mood episode.

After a Manic/Hypomanic Episode

After a manic or hypomanic episode, you may feel upset about your actions. You may have few memories of what happened during the manic/hypomanic episode. Now that your energy levels have decreased, you may feel tired and no longer have the energy to keep up with the plans you made during the mood episode.

What Is Psychosis?

Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between mania and hypomania.

ManiaA mood stateSevere symptomsSymptoms last for at least one weekCauses significant functional impairmentHypomaniaA form of maniaSymptoms are milderSymptoms last between four days and one weekNo functional impairment

ManiaA mood stateSevere symptomsSymptoms last for at least one weekCauses significant functional impairment

A mood state

Severe symptoms

Symptoms last for at least one week

Causes significant functional impairment

HypomaniaA form of maniaSymptoms are milderSymptoms last between four days and one weekNo functional impairment

A form of mania

Symptoms are milder

Symptoms last between four days and one week

No functional impairment

What Are the Differences Between Mania and Hypomania?

Mania and hypomania differ with respect to duration, intensity, and functional impairment:

What Are the Similarities Between Mania and Hypomania?

Both mania and hypomania are associated with increased energy, activity levels, and restlessness. They are also similar in terms of other symptoms such as racing thoughts, distractibility, pressured speech, inflated self-esteem/grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, sexual arousal or pleasure, irritability, or aggression.

In other words, the symptoms of mania and hypomania are very much alike.

Mania is typically diagnosed as part ofbipolar I disorder. Hypomania, however, is part of bipolar II disorder.

A diagnosis of bipolar I disorder requires that the person has had at least one episode of mania. A diagnosis of bipolar II disorder requires that the person has never had an episode of full-blown mania but rather has gone into a hypomanic state.

People with bipolar I disorder tend to have more depressive episodes, moremixed episodes(episodes in which depression is combined with mania), more hospitalizations, and are at higher risk for suicide than those with bipolar II disorder.

Amental health professionalcan diagnose these conditions through a thorough psychiatric interview and evaluation.

Certain factors may trigger episodes of mania or hypomania, including lack of sleep, drug and alcohol use, medication changes (particularly those that increasenorepinephrine), illness, and overwork.

Below is a list of potential triggers:

Can You Prevent Mania or Hypomania?There is no way to prevent mania or hypomania, and bipolar disorder cannot be cured. Instead, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of having a mood episode and to minimize the negative effects of manic/hypomanic periods. Sticking to your treatment plan is the most important thing you can do to manage your condition.

Can You Prevent Mania or Hypomania?

There is no way to prevent mania or hypomania, and bipolar disorder cannot be cured. Instead, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of having a mood episode and to minimize the negative effects of manic/hypomanic periods. Sticking to your treatment plan is the most important thing you can do to manage your condition.

Causes of Mania and Hypomania

The causes of mania and hypomania include a combination of genetics, neurobiology, and life experiences. Studies suggest that a strong family history of the disorder increases one’s risk for bipolar mania and hypomania.

Research has also identified a specific gene that increases the risk of both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Evolutionary psychologists theorize that bipolar disorder evolved as an adaptation to help those in northern climates engage in alternating phases of hibernation and activity.This would allow them to store up food and other resources during the summer months when they could easily obtain them. Then in the winter, they would stay in their homes, conserving energy until spring came again.

Treatment of Mania and Hypomania

Treatment for bipolar disorder usually involves psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications.

Psychotherapy

Evidence-based therapies that are the most effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder includepsychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT),interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, family-focused therapy, and peer-support programs.

Research has shown that patients with hypomania due to bipolar II disorder experience a reduction in their symptoms after receiving psychotherapy,such ascognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

This form of psychotherapy helps individuals to recognize and avoid behaviors or situations that trigger mood episodes. In addition, it can be helpful for individuals to recognize early warning signs of mood episodes so that they can take action before a full episode occurs.

Medications

These include the following:

Understanding Psychotropic Drugs

Coping With Mania and Hypomania

Hypomania and mania often present challenges for people with bipolar disorder in their personal and professional lives.

Below are some tips for coping with episodes of mania or hypomania:

Helpful Online Bipolar Disorder Support Groups

Takeaway

Mania and hypomania are both hallmark symptoms of bipolar disorder. Mania is characterized as a mood state; hypomania is a milder form of mania. Distinguishing between the two mood states is crucial since it helps doctors make an accurate diagnosis and guides treatment recommendations.

If you are struggling with mania or hypomania, know that you’re not alone. There are several options available to you, including medication and therapy. You’ll be on your way to better managing your symptoms with the proper support and care.

Living With Bipolar Disorder

10 SourcesVerywell Mind 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.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[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.8, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Hypomania Criteria Comparison.Dailey MW, Saadabadi A.Mania. [Updated 2021 Aug 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Rodrigues Cordeiro C, Côrte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardoso T.Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: A systematic review.J Psychiatr Res. 2023;161:237-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.008Özdemir O, Coşkun S, Aktan Mutlu E, et al.Family history in patients with bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2016;53(3):276-279. doi:10.5152/npa.2015.9870Palmer DS, Howrigan DP, Chapman SB, et al.Exome sequencing in bipolar disorder identifies AKAP11 as a risk gene shared with schizophrenia.Nat Genet. 2022;54(5):541-547. doi:10.1038/s41588-022-01034-xRantala MJ, Luoto S, Borráz-León JI, Krams I.Bipolar disorder: An evolutionary psychoneuroimmunological approach [published correction appears in Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Jul;126:528].Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;122:28-37. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.031Novick DM, Swartz HA.Evidence-based psychotherapies for bipolar disorder.Focus(American Psychiatric Publishing). 2019;17(3):238-248. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20190004Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Review of the Evidence.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2014;12(3):251-266. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.12.3.251Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196974

10 Sources

Verywell Mind 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.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[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.8, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Hypomania Criteria Comparison.Dailey MW, Saadabadi A.Mania. [Updated 2021 Aug 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Rodrigues Cordeiro C, Côrte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardoso T.Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: A systematic review.J Psychiatr Res. 2023;161:237-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.008Özdemir O, Coşkun S, Aktan Mutlu E, et al.Family history in patients with bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2016;53(3):276-279. doi:10.5152/npa.2015.9870Palmer DS, Howrigan DP, Chapman SB, et al.Exome sequencing in bipolar disorder identifies AKAP11 as a risk gene shared with schizophrenia.Nat Genet. 2022;54(5):541-547. doi:10.1038/s41588-022-01034-xRantala MJ, Luoto S, Borráz-León JI, Krams I.Bipolar disorder: An evolutionary psychoneuroimmunological approach [published correction appears in Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Jul;126:528].Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;122:28-37. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.031Novick DM, Swartz HA.Evidence-based psychotherapies for bipolar disorder.Focus(American Psychiatric Publishing). 2019;17(3):238-248. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20190004Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Review of the Evidence.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2014;12(3):251-266. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.12.3.251Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196974

Verywell Mind 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.

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[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.8, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Hypomania Criteria Comparison.Dailey MW, Saadabadi A.Mania. [Updated 2021 Aug 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Rodrigues Cordeiro C, Côrte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardoso T.Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: A systematic review.J Psychiatr Res. 2023;161:237-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.008Özdemir O, Coşkun S, Aktan Mutlu E, et al.Family history in patients with bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2016;53(3):276-279. doi:10.5152/npa.2015.9870Palmer DS, Howrigan DP, Chapman SB, et al.Exome sequencing in bipolar disorder identifies AKAP11 as a risk gene shared with schizophrenia.Nat Genet. 2022;54(5):541-547. doi:10.1038/s41588-022-01034-xRantala MJ, Luoto S, Borráz-León JI, Krams I.Bipolar disorder: An evolutionary psychoneuroimmunological approach [published correction appears in Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Jul;126:528].Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;122:28-37. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.031Novick DM, Swartz HA.Evidence-based psychotherapies for bipolar disorder.Focus(American Psychiatric Publishing). 2019;17(3):238-248. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20190004Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Review of the Evidence.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2014;12(3):251-266. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.12.3.251Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196974

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[Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2016 Jun. Table 3.8, DSM-IV to DSM-5 Hypomania Criteria Comparison.

Dailey MW, Saadabadi A.Mania. [Updated 2021 Aug 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021.

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

Rodrigues Cordeiro C, Côrte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardoso T.Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: A systematic review.J Psychiatr Res. 2023;161:237-260. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.03.008

Özdemir O, Coşkun S, Aktan Mutlu E, et al.Family history in patients with bipolar disorder.Noro Psikiyatr Ars. 2016;53(3):276-279. doi:10.5152/npa.2015.9870

Palmer DS, Howrigan DP, Chapman SB, et al.Exome sequencing in bipolar disorder identifies AKAP11 as a risk gene shared with schizophrenia.Nat Genet. 2022;54(5):541-547. doi:10.1038/s41588-022-01034-x

Rantala MJ, Luoto S, Borráz-León JI, Krams I.Bipolar disorder: An evolutionary psychoneuroimmunological approach [published correction appears in Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021 Jul;126:528].Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;122:28-37. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.031

Novick DM, Swartz HA.Evidence-based psychotherapies for bipolar disorder.Focus(American Psychiatric Publishing). 2019;17(3):238-248. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.20190004

Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for Bipolar Disorder in Adults: A Review of the Evidence.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2014;12(3):251-266. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.12.3.251

Shah N, Grover S, Rao GP.Clinical practice guidelines for management of bipolar disorder.Indian J Psychiatry. 2017;59(Suppl 1):S51-S66. doi:10.4103/0019-5545.196974

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