What is a hypomanic episode?

A hypomanic episode is milder than a manic episode. It is characterized by a period of unusually and persistently high, expansive, or irritable mood along with a significant and continuous increase in activity or energy, lasting for at least 4 consecutive days and being present most of the day, almost every day. 3 of the following are present during the period of increased energy or activity:

1. Inflated self-esteem.

2. Decreased need for sleep

3. More talkative than usual

4. Flight of ideas

5. Distractibility

6. Increase in goal-directed activity.

7. Excessive involvement in high-risk activity.

The disturbance is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in functioning.