Discuss what is meant by a description of someone as "moody.". Explain the differences between mania and hypomania in terms of symptoms and severity

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A milder but more chronic version of bipolar disorder called cyclothymic disorder, which is a chronic alternation of mood elevation and depression that does not reach the severity of manic or major depressive episodes. Individuals with cyclothymic disorder tend to be in one mood state or the other for years with relatively few periods of neutral (or euthymic) mood. This pattern must last for at least two years (one year for children and adolescents) to meet criteria for the disorder. Individuals with cyclothymic disorder alternate between mild depressive symptoms and hypomanic episodes. In neither case is the behavior severe enough to require hospitalization or immediate intervention. Much of the time, such individuals are just considered moody. However, the chronically fluctuating mood states are, by definition, substantial enough to interfere with functioning. Furthermore, people with cyclothymia should be treated because of their increased risk to develop the more severe Bipolar I or Bipolar II disorder.
In a hypomanic episode, clients may display unbridled enthusiasm, grandiose perceptions, and "uninterruptable" speech, and report that they need little sleep. They are also easily distracted. A hypomanic episode might last several months or more. During hypomania, a patient may be mostly funny, entertaining, and a delight to be with—if you can get a word in edgewise. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than manic episodes. Although patients may be noticeably "up," they can function pretty well while in this mood state.
In a manic episode, patients may spend inordinate amounts of money or make foolish business decisions. These individuals, particularly if they are in the midst of a full manic episode, are so wrapped up in their enthusiasm and expansiveness that their behavior seems reasonable to them. The high during a manic state is so pleasurable that people may stop taking their medication during periods of distress or discouragement in an attempt to bring on a manic state again.