Manic disorder results in a state of intense elation that can last from a few days to a few weeks. But it is often accompanied by an episode of deep depression, leading to a vicious circle between two totally opposite states. In this case, manic disorder is one of the two phases of the bipolar state.

Manic disorder is above all a serious mood disorder that is found in various psychiatric pathologies, in particular bipolar disorder. The manic state is the “positive” phase of bipolarity, the one in which the mood is overly enthusiastic. This condition can, in certain clinical forms, lead to excessive or even dangerous behavior requiring admission to psychiatric emergencies.

Its duration is always limited and can go up to more than a week, abruptly or gradually over the days.

In addition, manic disorder should not be confused with the manic nature of some people (the need for everything to be clean and in order). It is part of a character trait and not within a psychiatric pathology.

People suffering from a manic state within a larger psychological disorder are thus subject to:

• A state of uncontrollable euphoria

Described in this way, the symptoms of a manic state are reminiscent of the consequences of taking drugs, such as cocaine. However, in the case of a manic disorder without taking substances, these behaviors appear spontaneously. Typically, manic disorder appears between the ages of 20 and 50, very often with a family history.

Like all psychiatric illnesses, it is very difficult to know the exact causes, despite a lot of scientific research that comes up against the complexity of the brain. Manic disorder can thus be multifactorial:

• Hérédité

But nothing can explain why one person rather than another suffers from a psychiatric illness such as the manic state, or more broadly from bipolar disorder.

Manic disorder can take different clinical forms that only a psychiatrist can establish with certainty:

L’hypomanie 

Less impressive and debilitating than the manic state in the true sense of the term, hypomania results in an attenuated manic state which can go unnoticed.

The delusional state  

In this case, the manic state results in a general delirium or focused on something (money, sexuality, mysticism, state of persecution, etc.) but without hallucinations.

Dysphoric manic state and mad mania 

These are the most serious forms and those requiring emergency hospitalization, due to the risk of violence.

The psychiatrist

Depending on his analysis of the patient, may be led to discover other reasons for the manic state. This can come from drug treatment, hyperthyroidism, a brain tumor or even a form of schizophrenia.

People with manic disorders or bipolar states are treated with mood stabilizers. They are mood regulators that lower the state of heightened excitement and soothe the patient. The best known is lithium. In bipolar people, it also helps to treat and prevent depressive episodes. In all cases, the psychiatrist doses the drug gradually.

Drugs that regulate the mood disorder, however, cannot be used for people with cardiovascular disease or kidney disease.

In the event of resistance to drug treatment, or periods of acute mania, phases of electroshock may be considered, with the patient’s consent. If this protocol, called seismotherapy or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) still has bad press, it is nevertheless carried out under strict medical conditions and under general anesthesia. This consists of transmitting a low intensity alternating electric current to the brain. This treatment is between 85 and 90% effective, but it requires consolidation sessions.

Drug treatment is always accompanied in the manic state of a broader psychological protocol. And this, in order to monitor the patient’s condition, both in the monitoring of his treatment and in an evolution of his situation.

If you witness a manic state, and risky behavior, you can contact the doctor treating the person concerned to let him know.

In the event of aggressive or reckless and very worrying behavior, you can call 15. Your loved one will be taken care of according to their pathology and you will thus come to their aid, without taking the place of the doctors.