A manic episode occurs when a person has a period of drastic changes in mood. In a manic episode, a person may have totally unrealistic ideas. When people are in full manic episodes, their lives at home and work are severely affected. Many times they end up in the hospital. A hypomanic episode is similar to a manic episode but is less severe and may not last as long.
People can also have mixed episodes.
In a mixed episode, someone may go very rapidly up and down, within hours or days, from manic to depressed and back again. If someone you know seems to be having a manic episode, get help immediately. They are usually not dangerous but may be difficult to control. They may need to be hospitalized for their own protection and treatment. All rights reserved.