The seven classic symptoms of mania and hypomania are probably best summed up through the use of the acronym

D I G F A S T

Distractibility: Inability to maintain focus on tasks

Insomnia: Reduced need for sleep accompanied by increased energy in spite of little sleep

Grandiosity: Inflated self-esteem

Flight of ideas: Racing thoughts

Activities: Increase in goal-directed activity – work, social, school

Speech: Excessive, circumstantial, tangential chatter, pressure to keep talking or more talkative than usual

Thoughtlessness: Risky behavior, such as excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a significant potential for adverse consequences – excessive spending, risky sexual behavior, reckless driving, gambling, impulsive traveling

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MANIA AND HYPOMANIA

Mania:

  • Marked occupational/social dysfunction
  • Often a need for hospitalization
  • 67% of patients have a lifetime history of psychosis
  • Minimum of one week duration according to DSM IV

Hypomania:

  • No significant occupational or social dysfunction
  • No hospitalization
  • No psychotic features
  • Minimum four-day duration (average is 2-3 days)