Manic syndrome is characterised by hyperactivity, euphoria and elevated mood, usually not adapted to the situation. Together with depressive episodes, it is a component of bipolar affective disorder.
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Table of contents:
- Manic mood
- Thinking
- Memory
- Motor activity and disruption of biological rhythms
- Disorders of self-esteem and activity of patients in the environment
- Causes of the illness
- What are the treatment options?
- Psychotherapy
- Psychoeducation
- Pharmacotherapy
Underlying symptoms include:
- mood disorders,
- disturbances of psychomotor drive,
- disorders of certain physiological and metabolic processes,
- disturbances of emotions.
Manic mood
Characterised by joy, happiness, carelessness and lack of adequate emotional reactions to unpleasant events. In aggravated manic states, the excellent mood and good mood disappear and may be replaced by an angry mood, or dysphoria.
Dysphoria may arise in situations where the patient encounters obstacles to his or her intentions. Its basis is most often a number of conflicts with the environment.
Thinking
Thinking processes are clearly accelerated, however, the precision of thinking is impaired and a so-called thought race may appear. In the more intense manic states, association is often made on the basis of word and sound similarities. A manifestation of this disorder is polynomiality with rapid speech.
Memory
In mild manic states, it is usually functional and may even improve, as may learning ability.
Motor activity and disruption of biological rhythms
Increased motor activity virtually always occurs in manic syndromes. It is accompanied by a lack of fatigue and a sense of having extraordinary energy. Nocturnal sleep length is shortened and patients wake up early in the morning. Psychopathological symptoms are markedly exacerbated in the evening and morning hours.
Self-esteem disturbances and patient activity in the environment
In terms of thinking, there is a belief in high aptitude and ability. Self-esteem is inflated and uncritical. The patient does not perceive difficulties and obstacles to the tasks undertaken. Numerous and superficial interests emerge, which the patients usually do not fully realise. They make numerous casual acquaintances and their actions tend to be ill-considered and haphazard.
Patients eat irregularly, lose weight and do not take care of their personal hygiene. Increased sex drive and alcohol abuse are common features.
Causes of the disease
The cause of mania is described by the biopsychosocial model.
Factors considered are:
- biological, including genetics, neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain and somatic illnesses
- stressful living situations, contact with other people
- disturbances of the day and night rhythm
- stability of mood

What are the treatment options?
Treatment, due to the chronic and recurrent nature of the disease, is long-term. It can last several, even several years. It should include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and psychoeducation.
Psychotherapy
Is most often recommended for periods of remission. Therapy activities are very important to focus on developing skills and the ability to control one's own actions
Psychoeducation
Consists of informing, teaching and transferring the knowledge of the therapist or doctor to the patient. It can take the form of conversation, individual or group meetings. An important element is the patient's discernment of the characteristic symptoms that precede relapse.
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacological treatment includes the use of mood-stabilising drugs.In acute episodes, the inclusion of antipsychotic drugs may be necessary to reduce aggressive behaviour. Often hospitalisation is indicated, mainly in cases of increased suicidal thoughts and behaviour, severe aggression and the associated possibility of endangering the life and health of the patient and others.