![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PhilipCarey on August 20, 2003, at 20:55:48
Okay, sorry for my ignorance, but since hypo generally means sub, or lowered, does hypo-manic mean mildly manic?
Thanks.
Posted by jlo820 on August 20, 2003, at 21:04:29
In reply to Hypomania Question, posted by PhilipCarey on August 20, 2003, at 20:55:48
Yes. Not being in a full manic state.
Posted by PhilipCarey on August 20, 2003, at 21:27:49
In reply to Re: Hypomania Question, posted by jlo820 on August 20, 2003, at 21:04:29
> Yes. Not being in a full manic state.
Thanks.
Posted by galkeepinon on August 21, 2003, at 1:37:55
In reply to Hypomania Question, posted by PhilipCarey on August 20, 2003, at 20:55:48
Yep, hypomanic episodes are characterized by low-level, non-psychotic symptoms of mania such as increased energy, euphoria, irritability, and intrusiveness, that may cause little impairment in functioning but are noticeable to others.
Posted by Tepiaca on August 21, 2003, at 12:25:37
In reply to Re: Hypomania Question » PhilipCarey, posted by galkeepinon on August 21, 2003, at 1:37:55
Hi , can you explain me what is the problem if you have hypomania ?
if you feel very very good , and you feel like everything is fine , then what is not good about this??
Tep
Posted by jlo820 on August 21, 2003, at 13:09:44
In reply to Re: Hypomania Question what is wrong with it??, posted by Tepiaca on August 21, 2003, at 12:25:37
I kind of agree with you, but hypomania is more than just feeling good or euphoric. It represents a medical problem.
The problem is that hypomania can result in lapses in judgement, irritation, etc. It is a problem in that it represents a distinct change from the person's usual functioning.
Also, left without treatment, some patients who are hypomanic may become manic later on, thus developing psychotic symptoms, etc.
Posted by Viridis on August 22, 2003, at 3:17:58
In reply to Re: Hypomania Question what is wrong with it??, posted by jlo820 on August 21, 2003, at 13:09:44
It seems like the extent to which "hypomania" is considered negative is quite subjective. If someone is "hypomanic" in a way that causes them to overspend, speak inappropriately, feel invincible, act in ways that are harmful to themselves or others etc. then obviously it's a problem. But at that point, my impression is that many pdocs would characterize this as full-blown mania.
My pdoc has commented that sometimes I seem a bit "hypomanic", but after questioning me in detail and getting to know me, seems quite convinced that these episodes are not dangerous and may even be beneficial in terms of productivity etc. Certainly, I've never had a period of elevated mood that's caused me to do anything really reckless or harmful -- instead, I may finish an overdue project, get very involved in a hobby, write something fairly inspired, be especially enthusiastic, etc. I may be more outspoken than usual, but not in an outrageous way. The main downside is that I tend to sleep less, which can end up in exhaustion after a while. But then I generally just sleep a bit longer than usual for a day or two to catch up.
My pdoc also commented that one of his colleagues seems "perpetually hypomanic", but did so with reference to this person's high level of productivity, and didn't seem to see it as a negative thing at all.
I guess the biggest concern is that if a person cycles between lows and "hypomanic" highs, the highs may become too high at some point and erupt into true mania. In my case, I suspect that the fact this has never happened during my long history of mental treatment, coupled with my use of some meds that are considered mild mood stabilizers, has led my pdoc to consider me pretty safe. He did suggest a low dose of Depakote early on, but when I refused (due to concerns of cognitive dulling, weight gain, etc.), he didn't push the issue, and hasn't brought it up since.
The whole bipolar issue strikes me as pretty subjective once you move outside the realm of "true" manic depression (bipolar I). Of course, I'm not an expert, but it sure seems as though "bipolar" of one type or another is a very trendy diagnosis right now -- I wonder what they'll be calling some of these conditions in a few years?
Posted by jlo820 on August 22, 2003, at 13:40:02
In reply to Re: Hypomania Question what is wrong with it??, posted by Viridis on August 22, 2003, at 3:17:58
Like I said, I think it is only negative in that it represents a larger medical problem, or could lead to a larger medical problem.
Hypomania is one of the "building blocks" of mood disorders. Do a google search and see what the DSM has to say, that should help you understand the difference between just feeling good and hypomania as a medical issue.
I think you are right about bi-polar (esp. BP-II) being subjective. I for one still think Manic-Depressive is a better term.
Posted by JahL on August 22, 2003, at 19:07:27
In reply to Re: Hypomania Question what is wrong with it??, posted by Viridis on August 22, 2003, at 3:17:58
> I may finish an overdue project, get very involved in a hobby, write something fairly inspired, be especially enthusiastic, etc. I may be more outspoken than usual, but not in an outrageous way. The main downside is that I tend to sleep less, which can end up in exhaustion after a while.My brief experiences with hypomania were similar; got a lot done, became very sociable (and more socially adept) etc. After a while the 2 hours a night kip gets to you though...
I guess it's a question of degrees with hypomania.
Jah.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.