Mania is a form of mood disorder. The main feature of mania is the elevation of mood, where the individual is noted to be high or irritable. The features of mania are best captured in the mnemonic: DIGFAST.
- D stands for Distractability, where the person is poorly focused, multi-tasking
- I stands for Indiscretion (excessive pleasure-seeking). This can be something sexual, financial (e.g., going on a spending spree), travel, driving (speeding, driving without a license)
- G for Grandiosity, where there is inflated self-esteem
- F for Flight of ideas, due to racing thoughts
- A for Activities, increased goal-directed behaviour
- S for Sleep deficits, decreased need for sleep
- T for Talkativeness, pressured speech, which is hard to interrupt
The person with mania would appear to have an elevated mood, talk fast and non-stop, and would jump from topic to topic. He may have beliefs of grandiosity, like thinking that he is somebody special or important. Sometimes, they will do strange things like directing traffic or giving away their money.
They need to have the symptoms for at least 1 week to fulfil the duration criterion for a manic episode. The symptoms are usually severe enough to cause a disturbance in their lives and affect their functioning (school, family or work).
Drug use needs to be excluded before a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder Type 1 is established. In terms of treatment, the mainstay of treatment will be medications (mood stabilisers).
