Individuals with bipolar disorder experience fluctuating shifts in their mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, making day-to-day tasks quite challenging. These people will experience manic episodes as well as depressive episodes. During manic episodes, individuals may find themselves with more energy, an abnormally elevated mood, irritability, lowered inhibitions, and sleep disturbances. These episodes can be intense, with a rollercoaster of emotions and behaviors that significantly impact every aspect of a person’s life. So, how long can a bipolar manic episode last?
The length of manic symptoms depends on the type of bipolar disorder and varies from person to person. There are three types of bipolar disorders: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. According to PsychCentral, the typical lengths of manic episodes for each type are as follows:
- Bipolar I: Manic episodes can last for a week or more, though their duration can vary. Individuals may also experience depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II: Depressive episodes tend to be more severe, and individuals experience hypomanic episodes (less intense mania) that can last four days or longer.
- Cyclothymia: This is a milder, chronic form of bipolar disorder characterized by hypomanic symptoms that can last for hours or days over a period of at least two years.
Experiencing bipolar manic episodes can be stressful and difficult, but it is important to remember it won’t last forever. Fortunately, with comprehensive treatment, including therapy and medication, manic episodes can be less frequent, less intense, or shorter. Many individuals with bipolar disorder can live normal, productive lives when they adhere to their treatment plans.
What Is a Bipolar Manic Episode?
Individuals with bipolar disorder can experience extreme shifts in their mood, referred to as manic and depressive episodes. A bipolar manic episode is a period of extremely elevated mood and increased energy, including feeling extremely happy or uncomfortably irritable. This shift in mood can be noticeable to other people. While they may bring positive experiences, they can also disrupt daily functioning. Bipolar manic episodes can vary in length and intensity, ranging from a few hours to more than a week.
Each person’s experience with manic episodes is unique. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the following symptoms may be observed during these episodes:
- Racing thoughts.
- Feeling very up or elated.
- Extremely irritable or sensitive.
- Feeling jumpy or wired.
- Decreased need for sleep.
- Speaking quickly and jumping between various topics.
- Increased sex drive.
- Becoming intensely focused on a particular activity to the point of obsession.
- Easily distracted by unimportant things.
- Movement without purpose, such as pacing or fidgeting.
- Reckless behaviors, such as spending sprees.
During these episodes, the symptoms may persist throughout most days. Following a manic episode, the person may feel fatigued, depressed, and overwhelmed and experience feelings of shame or embarrassment regarding their behavior during the episode. Some people may also have only a few clear memories of what happened during the episode or none at all.
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How Does a Bipolar Person Act When They Are Manic?
Manic episodes can be quite noticeable to others as the person’s demeanor can change entirely. The intensity of these episodes can differ significantly, especially in cases of hypomania, which may be subtler and less recognizable. Typically, bipolar manic episodes can last from a few hours to a few weeks. Between these manic and depressive phases, individuals may experience stretches of normalcy. During a manic episode, a person with bipolar disorder might exhibit behaviors such as:
- Talking at high speeds.
- Friendlier and more talkative than normal.
- Works long hours without signs of fatigue.
- Unable to concentrate on a single task.
- Pursuing grandiose ambitions without clear objectives often leads to impulsive decisions.
- Reckless behavior, including lack of personal safety.
- May sleep very little or not at all.
- Behavior may come off as rude or aggressive.
- Lack of social inhibitions.
- Acting in ways that are inappropriate or out of character.
- Following these episodes, they may experience periods of depression or low mood as the manic symptoms fade.
What Is the First Red Flag of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder can develop at any age, but it most often appears during late adolescence or early adulthood between the ages of 15 and 19; rarely does it develop after age 40. While the exact causes remain unclear, experts believe that a mix of factors—such as genetics, brain chemistry, environmental influences, and substance abuse—play a role in its onset. Although bipolar disorder is a chronic, life-long condition, it can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes, so it is crucial to watch out for the first warning signs and get evaluated.
While major episodes of mania and depression are often noticeable, the early symptoms can be subtler. Some early warning signs of bipolar disorder include:
- Rapid mood shifts from extremely happy or silly to feeling depressed.
- Significant changes to sleep patterns, including less sleep than usual, insomnia, or excessive sleeping.
- An increase in energy levels, restlessness, or agitation
- Racing thoughts include jumping quickly from one topic to another or having illogical thoughts.
- Impulsive decision-making, such as spending large sums of money or engaging in reckless behavior.
- Withdrawal from social interactions or a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- Heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells, or touch.
- Psychotic episodes of delusions and/or hallucinations.
An online bipolar disorder self-test can help determine whether you or someone you know may be experiencing this disorder. However, the only definitive way to confirm a diagnosis is through a mental health professional. A thorough evaluation can determine if a mental health disorder is present, rule out any underlying medical health conditions, and recommend effective treatment options.
What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Bipolar Mania?
The Mayo Clinic describes treatment options for bipolar disorder primarily as a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Effective treatment begins with a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional, who can identify whether an individual has bipolar disorder or another mental health condition, followed by tailored treatment plans. A personalized treatment approach offers the best recovery outcomes. Many people will go through trial and error with their medications to determine the most effective options. Medications for bipolar disorder can include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.
Alongside medications, psychotherapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) help identify unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to symptoms and replace them with positive ones. With early detection, many individuals can effectively manage their symptoms through outpatient treatment. However, severe cases may require inpatient hospitalization if their disorder significantly impacts functioning or safety. Additionally, successfully managing bipolar disorders includes adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as quality sleep, eating a healthy diet, and regular physical activity.
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Reduce the Risk of Bipolar Manic Episodes at Moment of Clarity
How long bipolar manic episodes last can depend on whether someone is receiving the right treatment. At Moment of Clarity, we specialize in addressing mental health issues, including bipolar disorder, through customized outpatient treatment plans. Our dedicated team of professionals will perform a detailed initial assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and to suggest the most suitable treatment options. Through our comprehensive treatment programs, patients will receive a combination of medications, therapy options, and holistic approaches to effectively manage bipolar disorder long-term.
If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with bipolar manic episodes, reach out to Moment of Clarity today at 949-625-0564 to schedule your initial intake.
External Links
- PsychCentral – How Long Will a Bipolar Disorder Manic Episode Last?
- National Institute on Mental Health – Bipolar Disorder
- Mayo Clinic – Bipolar treatment: Are bipolar I and bipolar II treated differently?
