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Criterion A

• A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood together with abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy.
• The episode lasts at least 1 week and is present most of the day, nearly every day, unless hospitalization is required sooner.

Criterion B

• During the period of mood disturbance and increased energy or activity, 3 or more of the following symptoms are present to a significant degree, or 4 if the mood is only irritable:

Criterion B symptom list

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
• Decreased need for sleep, such as feeling rested after only a few hours.
• More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking.
• Flight of ideas or the subjective experience that thoughts are racing.
• Distractibility, meaning attention is too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli.
• Increase in goal-directed activity socially, at work or school, sexually, or psychomotor agitation.
• Excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences, such as spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, or reckless business investments.

Criterion C

• The episode is severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, require hospitalization to prevent harm, or include psychotic features.

Criterion D

• The episode is not attributable to substances or another medical condition.
• If mania emerges during antidepressant treatment but persists beyond the physiologic effect of treatment, it counts as a manic episode.

Related Guides

• Bipolar I Disorder Symptoms and Signs
• Mania vs Hypomania
• Bipolar I Disorder Scales and Assessment Tools
• Bipolar I Disorder Treatments and Medications
• When to Seek Professional Help for Bipolar I Disorder