## Definition - A mood state characterized by **elevated, expansive, or irritable mood** with **increased energy or activity**. - Less severe than [[Mania]]; does **not cause marked impairment** in social or occupational functioning. - Typically associated with [[Bipolar Disorder|Bipolar II Disorder]] and [[Cyclothymic Disorder]]. ## Core Features - Duration: **At least 4 consecutive days**. - Noticeable change from baseline mood and behavior. - Symptoms observable by others, but not severe enough to cause hospitalization or psychosis. ## Common Symptoms - Elevated or irritable mood - Increased goal-directed activity (social, work, sexual) - Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity - Decreased need for sleep (feeling rested after only a few hours) - Talkativeness, pressured speech - Flight of ideas, racing thoughts - Distractibility - Risk-taking or impulsive behaviors (spending sprees, reckless driving) ## Distinction from [[Mania]] | Feature | Hypomania | [[Mania]] | | ----------------- | ---------------- | -------------------------- | | Duration | 4+ days | 7+ days or hospitalization | | Severity | Mild to moderate | Severe, impairing | | Psychosis | Absent | Possible | | Functional Impact | Minimal/moderate | Marked impairment | | Hospitalization | Rare | Often required | ## Role in Diagnosis - Required for [[Bipolar Disorder|Bipolar II Disorder]] - Common in [[Cyclothymic Disorder]] - May precede or follow episodes of [[Depression]] ## Risks - Can escalate into [[Mania]] if untreated - Can lead to poor judgment decisions despite mild severity - Often overlooked due to its seductive, energetic qualities ## Treatment - **Mood Stabilizers**: [[Lithium]], [[Lamotrigine]] - **Atypical Antipsychotics** - **[[Psychotherapy]]**: psychoeducation, behavioral strategies - Monitor for escalation or co-occurring depressive episodes ## Related Concepts - [[Mania]] - [[Bipolar Disorder]] - [[Emotional Dysregulation]] - [[Impulse Control]] ## Notable Quotes - "Hypomania feels like confidence on steroids—until it doesn't." ## References - American Psychiatric Association. (2013). _DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders_. - Goodwin, F. K., & Jamison, K. R. (2007). _Manic-Depressive Illness: Bipolar Disorders and Recurrent [[Depression]]_.