Learn how to identify, control, manage and avoid manic episodes.

Introduction

The more you know about bipolar disorder, the better you will be able to cope with this lifelong illness. There are many simple steps you can take -or help a loved one take- and lifestyle changes that can be made to help avoid manic episodes.

1. Exercise, eat a balanced diet, get a good night's sleep, and keep a consistent schedule to reduce minor mood swings that often lead to more severe episodes of mania.

2. Take medicines as instructed by your health professional to help reduce the number of manic episodes.

3. Avoid triggers such as alcohol and drug use or stress to help prevent a manic episode.

4. Learn the warning signs and seek early treatment to avoid more severe, prolonged manic episodes.

5. Have a plan of action in place and a support system to help follow the plan when symptoms of a manic episode begin.

What are signs of a manic episode?

You or your child with bipolar disorder may have unique manic behaviors that are identifiable. Family and friends can help identify other manic behaviors that you or your child with this condition exhibit. General behaviors associated with a manic episode include:

• An abnormally happy, irritable, or energetic mood. Other characteristics that often occur with this mood include:
  • Unrealistic feelings of self-importance.
  • A decreased need for sleep.
  • Increased talkativeness.
  • Racing thoughts.
  • Being easily distracted by things that are not important.
    An intense focus on reaching a goal.
  • Dangerous or irresponsible behavior, such as driving too fast, spending too much money, or having unprotected sex.
• Extreme behavior that causes problems on the job, at school, in social situations, or at home.
• Symptoms of psychosis, such as hearing voices or being paranoid.

Why is it important to control a manic episode?

Controlling a new manic episode from its beginning stages will help you or your child with bipolar disorder avoid going into a possible long-term episode of full-blown mania. You or your child may be able to avoid destructive behaviors associated with mania, such as spending too much money or having unprotected sex, if the manic episode is recognized and treated right away. Learning the early signs of the manic episodes will help you or your child get treatment quickly and possibly avoid the problems associated with mania.

Test Your Knowledge

Knowing the early warning signs of behaviors in a manic episode will help me obtain quick treatment and avoid unpleasant or dangerous consequences.

1. True
   • This answer is correct.
     Learning to identify the manic behaviors early on in a new episode and seeking treatment will help you or your child avoid dangerous behaviors associated with mania.
2. False
   • This answer is incorrect.
     Learning to identify the manic behaviors early on in a new episode and seeking treatment will help you or your child avoid dangerous behaviors associated with mania.