
Manic episodes
A manic episode is a period of abnormally elevated, energetic, or irritable mood that lasts at least a week. During this time, a person may feel extremely confident, have racing thoughts, speak more than usual, and engage in risky activities. They might also need less sleep and feel like they can accomplish anything. While some of these feelings can be exciting, they can also lead to poor decisions and negative consequences. Manic episodes are a key feature of bipolar disorder and require professional treatment to manage effectively and prevent harm.