Unraveling the Mysteries of Bipolar Mania: A Comprehensive Review

Document Type : Review Articles.

Authors

1 College of Pharmaceutical sciences and drug manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Giza, Egypt

2 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical sciences and drug manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), 12585, Giza, Egypt

3 Department pf Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmaceutical sciences and drug manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), 12585, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, which include periods of mania. Mania is defined as an elevated or irritable mood lasting at least one week, potentially severe enough to require hospitalization. Symptoms of mania encompass impulsivity, risk-taking behavior, restlessness, grandiosity, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, increased productivity, and impaired judgment1. In bipolar mania, the presence of psychotic symptoms is highest during acute episodes. These symptoms can include delusions or hallucinations, and their occurrence is often assumed to reflect greater disease severity. However, recent studies suggest that while psychotic symptoms in bipolar manic episodes are associated with male gender and younger age, they may not be directly linked to other indirect measures of illness severity, such as the length of hospital stay or the need for long-acting injectable antipsychotics2. Furthermore, the relationship between mania and depression in bipolar disorder is complex. Depressive symptoms can occur during manic episodes, known as mixed features, and are associated with a more challenging course of the disorder. This includes a younger age at onset, more frequent and longer episodes, and increased risk of suicidality and substance abuse comorbidity3. Understanding the nuances of bipolar mania, including its association with psychotic and depressive symptoms, is crucial for effective treatment and management of the condition. This abstract provides a brief overview of bipolar mania, highlighting the clinical significance of psychotic symptoms and the intricate interplay between mania and depression within the bipolar spectrum.

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