Mania

A period of elevated mood, energy, and activity in bipolar disorder

Definition

Mania is a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood with increased energy, lasting at least 7 days (or any duration if hospitalization required). It is diagnostic of bipolar I disorder.

Signs and Symptoms (DIG FAST)

D: Distractibility
I: Insomnia/decreased need for sleep
G: Grandiosity
F: Flight of ideas
A: Activity (increased, including goal-directed)
S: Speech (pressured, rapid)
T: Thoughtlessness (risky behavior; spending, sexual, substance use)

Nursing Interventions

Safety (limit stimuli, redirect impulsive behavior), set firm limits, provide high-calorie finger foods and fluids (patient may be too active to sit and eat), monitor sleep, safe environment, administer mood stabilizers (lithium, valproate, carbamazepine), antipsychotics (olanzapine, risperidone). Monitor lithium levels (0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L).

NCLEX Relevance

High-calorie finger foods and safety are priority. Lithium range high-yield.