Hypomania

Hypomania is the level of mania which is mild to moderate. A patient with hypomania may have good feelings. The DSM-IV-TR defines a hypomanic episode as a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least 4 days, that is clearly different from the usual nondepressed mood. The mood disturbance must include the same criteria specified for a manic episode and must be observed by others. In hypomania, the episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment or to necessitate hospitalization; however, the patient’s changed mood and functioning are noticeable to family and friends. Psychotic features are not present.

It has been observed that hypomania may be associated with increased productivity and well functioning. Sometimes patients deny it as a mood swing as part of a bipolar disorder. Thus education to patient’s family and friends is crucial. If it is not handled well, with the ongoing disease progression, hypomania may become a severe mania and may turn into depression.