Hypomania is a distinct and elevated mood state often associated with bipolar disorder, representing a significant shift from an individual’s normal emotional baseline. It is defined as a period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, accompanied by a noticeable increase in activity and energy, lasting for at least four consecutive days. This experience is considered a milder form of mania because it does not cause the severe disruption to daily functioning, require hospitalization, or involve psychotic features. While the individual can usually maintain their work or social life, the change in mood and behavior is typically noticeable to others.
The Core Subjective Experience
The internal feeling of hypomania is often described as a powerful surge of energy and mental acceleration that can initially feel exhilarating. Many people report an exaggerated sense of well-being, or euphoria, feeling “on top of the world” or invincible, accompanied by inflated self-esteem. This feeling of grandiosity can manifest as an unwavering belief in one’s talents, capabilities, or a sense of having a special mission.
A defining feature is the experience of racing thoughts, which are a rapid succession of ideas that cannot be easily quieted or controlled. These thoughts move so quickly that the person may feel unable to express them fast enough, sometimes leading to a “flight of ideas” where speech jumps rapidly from one topic to the next. While some people find this mental speed pleasant and conducive to creativity, the relentless onslaught of thoughts can be jarring and lead to significant distractibility.
The intensity of the mood is not always pure happiness; instead of euphoria, the experience can be dominated by intense irritability, agitation, or a highly explosive temper. When the mood is irritable, the person may become easily frustrated by small obstacles, intolerant of criticism, and prone to engaging in confrontations. This dysphoric hypomania is a common presentation, where the high energy is coupled with emotional discomfort.
Observable Behavioral Changes
The internal acceleration of thought and energy translates directly into a host of observable changes in behavior and daily routines. Individuals in a hypomanic state often display a significantly increased level of activity, constantly moving, fidgeting, or needing to be “on the go.” This energy fuels excessive involvement in goal-directed activities, such as starting numerous new projects, becoming highly engaged in social pursuits, or working for unusually long stretches without pause.
A noticeable change involves communication patterns, often referred to as pressured speech. The person talks much more than usual, at a faster pace, and with a volume that can make it difficult for others to interrupt. This rapid, continuous talking is a direct reflection of the racing thoughts taking place internally.
The most consistent and objectively measurable change is a dramatically decreased need for sleep. The person feels completely rested after only a few hours or even no sleep at all. This reduced sleep is not insomnia where the person wants to sleep but cannot, but rather a perceived lack of need for rest. Changes in sleep patterns can precede the onset of a hypomanic episode by several days.
The Line Between Hypomania and Normal Moods
Hypomania is often confusing because the feelings of high energy and productivity can initially resemble a period of intense happiness or high performance. The key differentiator between a healthy, elevated mood and a hypomanic episode is the degree of change, the lack of control, and the disproportionality to circumstances. A person simply being happy is still grounded in reality and maintains their usual judgment, but hypomania represents an “unequivocal change” in functioning that is clearly different from their normal self.
The intensity of the experience often feels disproportionate to any positive events in the person’s life. While the individual may feel better than ever, the heightened mood and energy level must be observable by others and exceed the range of their typical behavior to meet diagnostic criteria. The elevated state often lacks the nuance and realistic perspective of normal happiness, as the person may overlook risks and overestimate positive outcomes due to hyperpositive thinking.
When the “High” Turns Sour
Despite the initial feelings of euphoria, the trajectory of a hypomanic episode often leads to negative consequences due to impaired judgment and impulsivity. The elevated mood and overconfidence can lead to reckless behavior, such as engaging in excessive spending sprees, making foolish investments, or taking sexual risks. These impulsive actions, driven by a brain that is overly sensitive to rewards, can cause severe financial and relational strain.
The episode does not last indefinitely and is frequently followed by an emotional “crash,” which is a rapid shift into a depressive episode. This crash is partly a result of the brain’s attempt to compensate after the intense overstimulation and depletion of neurotransmitters like dopamine during the hypomanic phase. Plummeting from a state of invincibility to one of profound sadness and exhaustion can be deeply distressing, leaving the person overwhelmed by the commitments made during the high.
The physical and emotional exhaustion of the crash is severe. Up to 80% of people who experience a hypomanic or manic episode will subsequently experience a depressive episode. The aftermath can be characterized by feelings of shame or embarrassment over the behavior exhibited during the high, coupled with the emotional withdrawal and lack of motivation that follows the dopamine deficit state.