Mania describes a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood combined with increased goal-directed activity and energy — lasting at least one week (or any duration if hospitalisation is required). It is characterised by grandiosity, decreased need for sleep without fatigue, rapid or pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, and impulsive high-risk behaviour (financial, sexual, substance-related). Mania is qualitatively distinct from happiness or enthusiasm — it involves a loss of normal self-monitoring, judgement impairment, and often a compelling sense of special ability or mission.

What lifestyle changes can help with mania?

Maintain strict sleep-wake schedule — sleep deprivation is both a trigger and an early warning sign of mania. Avoid alcohol and stimulants. Have an advance agreement with trusted others about early warning signs.

What integrative approaches support mania?

Lithium has very strong evidence for bipolar mania prevention and treatment. Antipsychotics have strong evidence for acute mania. Psychoeducation has strong evidence for relapse prevention.

When should I seek professional support for mania?

Seek urgent psychiatric assessment for suspected manic episodes. Contact a doctor, crisis team, or A&E immediately. Mood stabilisers (lithium, valproate) have strong evidence for mania prevention and treatment.

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Mania

A period of abnormally elevated or expansive mood, energy, and activity that significantly impairs judgement and functioning — a defining feature of bipolar disorder.

Understand what may be causing this

Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Integrative Health Content Review26 March 2026Strong Evidence

Quick answer

A period of abnormally elevated or expansive mood, energy, and activity that significantly impairs judgement and functioning — a defining feature of bipolar disorder.

Recognition

Do any of these feel familiar?

People describe feeling invincible, needing only two to three hours of sleep yet feeling energised, having racing thoughts too fast to catch, making uncharacteristic financial decisions, and sometimes paranoia or grandiose beliefs.

What is Mania?

A period of abnormally elevated or expansive mood, energy, and activity that significantly impairs judgement and functioning — a defining feature of bipolar disorder.