A physician or mental health professional is likely to diagnose mania if the patient experiences a period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood that lasts at least one week. Mania may also be diagnosed if the changes in mood last for a shorter period of time but require hospitalization.

During the mood disturbance, three or more of the following symptoms must be present (or four symptoms, if the mood is only irritable):

• Heightened self-esteem or feelings of grandiosity
• Reduced need for sleep
• More talkative than usual
• Sense that thoughts are racing
• Easily distracted
• Increase in goal-seeking activity
• Impulsive or risky behavior

These symptoms also cannot be better accounted for by another condition, or caused by the effects of a substance.

Patients who engage in extremely risky behavior may need to be hospitalized during manic episodes to prevent them from harming themselves or others. This is particularly true for patients who reach the stage of delirious mania.

Mood stabilizing drugs such as lithium are the primary medications for treating both mania and bipolar disorder. According to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), lithium is effective in controlling mania in 60 percent of patients with bipolar disorder. It is also effective in preventing new episodes of both mania and depression and appears effective in reducing suicide among patients with bipolar disorder.

Although lithium is very effective in treating euphoric mania, it may not be beneficial in treating mixed episodes in which mania and depression occur simultaneously. Some patients may experience undesirable side effects, such as hand tremors, excessive thirst, excessive urination and memory problems. These patients may find relief from manic symptoms through the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid. This drug has fewer side effects than lithium, although some patients may experience nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain or tremors. Valproic acid should be monitored closely in patients who have a liver disorder, because it can cause serious liver damage.

Finally, some patients have found relief from manic symptoms by using certain antipsychotic medications. Side effects of these medications may include sedation, stiffness of arms and legs, weight gain and abnormal movements.

Some patients may have to be monitored when they take medications for mania. Patients often feel a sense of “dullness” after taking medications and miss the “high” of their manic phases. As a result, they may be tempted to stop taking their medications.