Thank you for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.

According to Marcia Purse, one of our experts on BipolarConnect.com, the criteria for diagnosing a manic episode is:

Criterion A: A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood that lasts at least a week and is present most of the day, nearly ever day during that time. It can last less than a week if hospitalization is necessary.

Criterion B: At the same time, 3-4 or more of these symptoms are present:

* Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
* Decreased need for sleep
* Lots of talking or pressured speech
* Flight of ideas (skipping from one subject to another rapidly) or racing thoughts
* Easily distracted
* Increase in goal-directed activity (socially, at work or school, or sexually), or physical agitation
* Risky behavior (like spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, foolish decisions about money)

Criterion C: The mood disturbance is severe enough to cause marked impairment in day-to-day function, or hospitalization is required, or there are psychotic features.

Criterion D: The symptoms aren't cause by drug or alcohol use, medication or treatment, or another medical condition. The exception to this is when a full manic episode happens while a person is being treated for depression.

For more information:

BipolarConnect

Eileen