Hypomania is a less extreme state than mania, which is pleasant for most individuals and is associated with high levels of creativity. Typically hypomania is characterized by a elevated mood for at least four days including three lighter symptoms of a manic episode. Many famous writers and inventors through history appear to have exhibited symptoms similar to hypomania.
During a hypomanic episode, a bipolar will be much more sociable, and full of energy and ideas. This state of mood doesn’t last as long as a manic episode, but can quickly lead to mania. A checklist for hypomania is provided below.
·Having more confidence than usual
·Increased focus on special projects.
·Extra creativity and inventiveness
·Feeling on top of the world
·Very sociable, the life of the party
Hypomania is harmless and will not result in hospitalization, although persons with Bipolar I will usually go through hypomania before they reach the extreme of mania, so it offers a good indicator as to whether an individual will enter a dangerous zone in the future.