For the hypomaniac, there is no rest: there is always something to do, to think . . . His inner universe accelerates and his emotions range from absolute euphoria to irritability What is the cause of this situation?
Euphoria, hyperactivity, overflow of energy, inability to sleep or rest because the mind still has ideas, hyperemopathy, excess vegetation?Hypomania is an important feature of a very specific type of bipolar disorder, however, its diagnosis is not easy as often its behavior is fully functional and does not attract attention.
- Many take decades to have a correct diagnosis.
- To have a name for what’s happening to them and that for so long has made them feel different from others.
- For those living with hypomania.
- The world is changing at a different rate.
- At a faster pace.
- A rhythm and in which you barely give physical and mental rest.
- In addition.
- It is a state in which emotions are very intense and everything is disturbing.
- To the point that many end up hating each other.
The clinical relevance of detecting hypomania as soon as possible in bipolar disorder type II is currently known, if we do not, or if this condition is confused with conventional hyperactivity or if we focus only on the depression phase, this can lead to extreme situations. Cases.
Let us learn a little more about this situation of constant exaltation.
We all have mood swings, that’s true. There are days when we feel more energetic and positive and others when reality darkens Where is the limit?How to differentiate the normal from this pathology that requires specific treatment?
The limit is on the impact these emotional and behavioral states have on our lives. However, the complexity of this fact lies in the fact that we sometimes “normalize?”Situations that need to be addressed. We associate behaviors with personality styles, thinking that if that person does it is because of their character.
All of these dynamics often appear in people with hypomania. An example: if a brother, best friend or partner never rests from work or decides to run at night instead of sleep, we think he has “always been so hyperactive. “what may be behind this situation is a psychological disorder.
Hypomania is a state characterized by a mood dominated by effusiveness, exaltation by a dynamism in which emotions are intense; ideas come back and the person shows a very characteristic extraversion. In turn, there is also hyperemopathy, the ability to connect and get infected with other people’s emotions.
Now, one thing that can certainly draw our attention to this term is the prefix “hypo”. This nuance is important and seems to differentiate it from the classic “mania”. In these cases, hypomaniacal behavior is less extreme than that of the maniac. In other words, there are no psychotic epidemics and the behavior is generally functional.
It is also important to note that hypomania often appears as a characteristic phase of bipolar disorder type II.
As we have said before, it is common for the person with hypomania to be fully functional. But what does that mean? This means we can have men and women who just don’t get along at work. In addition, their hyperactivity can make them very creative, work longer, etc.
Let’s look at more symptoms and manifestations
Hypomania is one of the stages of bipolar disorder type II, however, its diagnosis is not easy. When a person asks for help, they don’t do it because of that hyperactivity, that state of euphoria, they usually do so when they reach the stage of depression.
Therefore, they most commonly receive attention focused exclusively on this depressive disorder, so something very simple is recommended: it is always necessary to look for possible signs of hypomania in those with depressive symptoms.
In addition, studies such as those carried out in the psychiatry unit of the Puerta de Hierro Hospital in Madrid, the use of appropriate scales and instruments to promote early detection of hypomania is recommended.
In turn, the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) establishes the following diagnostic criteria:
Hypomania is not a per se disorder, it is a manifestation of bipolar disorder type II, it is also interesting to know that this is one of the psychiatric conditions with the greatest resources for its treatment.
Currently we have medicines to treat both hypomania itself and the stages of depression with very good results, on the other hand, psychotherapy is also essential to develop new skills, manage emotions, thoughts and improve relationships.
The most important thing in all cases is to always have a correct diagnosis.