What is a manic episode?

A manic episode 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 one week 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

A manic episode could trigger psychosis. A manic episode causes significant impairment in functioning.