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Hypomania is a state of euphoria very similar to mania, but there are some significant differences between the two psychiatric disorders. Patients can often be diagnosed only after visiting a psychiatrist. For this reason, we decided to check how to distinguish hypomania from mania, as well as how to treat it.
How to distinguish hypomania from mania?
Hypomania is often called the milder version of mania, which is considered an episode of bipolar disorder (ChaD). Although it rarely occurs on its own, there are cases of hypomania. Compared to the symptoms of mania, hypomania is much less severe, which does not mean that it is safe. On the contrary – symptoms of hypomania must not be taken lightly. In addition, in the case of mania, patients have psychotic episodes including hallucinations as well as delusions. People who suffer from hypomania do not have these symptoms. In addition, hypomania can be diagnosed after 4 days, and mania only after a week.
Hypomania – the main causes of hypomanic disease
The main causes of hypomanic disease are mainly disorders in the brain. They mainly concern neurotransmitters in stimulated systems, noradrenergic and dopaminergic. Genes inherited by patients can also cause hypomania. Especially if someone in your family suffered from bipolar disorder or hypomanic disorder. Systemic diseases (AIDS or thyroid dysfunction) as well as neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, brain trauma or brain tumor) can lead to hypomania. People who have taken psychoactive substances are also at risk. It is similar with patients who have experienced a serious trauma.
Hypomania – the most common symptoms
A diagnosed patient with hypomania has very similar symptoms to a person with mania, but they are much less severe. Euphoric states deserve special attention, including:
- excessive talkativeness;
- no need to sleep;
- racing thoughts;
- increased psycho-physical activity;
- problems with concentration on a specific task;
- undertaking risky social and financial activities (inclination to gamble or entering into sexual relations with unknown persons);
- lack of control over emotions;
- irritability.
Hypomania – diagnostics
Hypomania is diagnosed during a psychiatric examination. The doctor asks the patient a series of questions about his general well-being. Sometimes it is helped by a special test and a four-day observation of a person suspected of having hypomanic syndrome. The issue of depressive states is also important. It is she who decides whether a patient may have bipolar disorder. Typically, people with hypomania can function normally in society. They have no problems in family and professional life. In some cases of hypomania, head imaging is performed. On its basis, a psychiatrist can determine whether a patient who develops a sudden euphoria does not have a brain tumor or does not have multiple sclerosis.
Hypomania – treatment
The primary treatment for hypomania there is drug therapy. Patients are most often administered mood stabilizers, whose main task is to stabilize the mood. Typically these are lithium salts, valproate, and carbamazepine. In addition, the patient may be given antipsychotics (neuroleptics). Psychotherapy is an additional method of treatment. In combination with pharmacotherapy, it can help the patient.
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