Mania Coping Skills In Bipolar Disorder

Mania is the high of bipolar disorder and consists of racing thoughts, impulsivity, periods of intense activity, lack of sleep, and risk-taking, with high levels of creativity.  When manic, a person may do things he would never do otherwise, things that he will later regret. In managing bipolar disorder recognizing the onset of mania and following coping strategies is critical.  
The most important strategy for dealing with mania is recognizing the symptoms of the episode in its beginning and actively working to lessen or avert a manic episode. The symptoms of a manic attack differ by person, but after having had one, the triggers will help you to know if and when a manic episode is imminent. Some techniques for avoiding a full blown manic episode include decreasing activities, avoiding excess stimulation, maximizing sleep by establishing a sleep routine and using sleeping aids if needed. Consult with your doctor regarding a possible increase in medication.
Prepare yourself for signs of mania. Have your regular medication on hand and let your support group know that you may need them to help you cope during a manic episode.

The characteristics of Bipolar Disorder, as compared to other mood disorders, is the presence of at least one manic episode. It is presumed to be a chronic condition because the vast majority of individuals who have one manic episode have additional episodes in the future. The statistics show that four episodes in ten years is an average, without preventative treatment. Every individual with bipolar disorder has a unique pattern of mood cycles, combining depression and manic episodes that is specific to that individual, but predictable once the pattern has been established. Research studies suggest a genetic influence in bipolar disorder. 

Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life. It is often not recognized as a psychological problem, because it is episodic. Those who have it may suffer needlessly for years without treatment.

Effective treatment is available for bipolar disorder. Without treatment, the chronic, episodic mood swings continue.  Noncompliance with treatment is one of the most important commitments that must be made. Most individuals with bipolar disorder do not perceive their manic episodes as needing treatment, and they resist treatment. Most people feel very good during the beginning of a manic episode, and don't want it to stop. This is a serious judgment problem. As the manic episode progresses, concentration becomes difficult, thinking becomes more grandiose, and  psychotic problems may develop.  Unfortunately, the risk taking behavior usually results in consequences such as loss of a job or a relationship, running up excessive debts, or getting into legal difficulties. Many individuals with bipolar disorder abuse drugs or alcohol during manic episodes, and can develop substance abuse problems in addition to Bipolar disorder. 

Psychotic Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder

Psychotic features are frequently present during the manic phase of bipolar I disorder. Psychosis may also manifest during extreme episodes of depression.  Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality.  They are also present in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Severe episodes of mania or depression include psychotic symptoms. The most common symptoms are hallucinations hearing, seeing, or sensing the presence of things not actually there.

Hallucinations are most often associated with mental illness schizophrenia. However, they may also occur for those with bipolar disorder when either depression or mania has psychotic features.

Severe episodes of mania or depression include psychotic symptoms. The most common symptoms are hallucinations hearing, seeing, or sensing the presence of things not actually there.  Psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder reflect the extreme mood state at the time.

Delusions are false beliefs that are firmly held. They are one aspect of the psychotic features of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

In depression, the psychosis is usually consistent with their depressed state (eg, thinking they have a terminal disease and are about to die). In schizophrenia, these thoughts are more bizarre and disorganized or paranoid

 When a person is manic delusions of grandiosity, such as believing one is the President or has special powers or wealth, may arise; delusions of guilt or worthlessness, such as believing that one is ruined and penniless or has committed a terrible crime, may exist during depression. Some, during their mania, believe they are more important, gifted or capable than they really are. As a result of their inflated thoughts, they often behave in ways that are not usual for them, and represent a severe change from the non-psychotic state. For example, people during a manic psychosis might believe: they are capable of superhuman feats can fly, drive at excessive speeds, gamble excessively though they are broke.   They have God-like qualities, and begin to preach to others.

Psychosis during a manic episode is a very severe symptom and needs to be treated. Today,  drugs called atypical antipsychotics that are used to treat mania with and without psychosis.