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Hypomania

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Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences

Definition

Hypomania is a mood disturbance characterized by a persistently elevated or irritable mood, which is distinct from normal states of excitability and elation. Hypomanic states are marked by increased activity or energy, a high level of disinhibition, pressured speech, and a decreased need for sleep. Hypomania is a less severe presentation than is mania, the distinction being that hypomanic symptoms are not necessarily associated with functional impairment while manic symptoms are. Hypomania is a diagnostic feature most commonly associated with the bipolar disorders. Approximately 1–6.5% of the population will experience a hypomanic episode in their lifetime.

Introduction

Hypomania is characterized by an overly optimist view of one’s self, increased energy and goal directed activity, racing thoughts, verbosity, and a decreased need for sleep and rest. Individuals in a hypomanic state often exhibit elevated levels of irritability or distractibility, and are more likely to...

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Correspondence to C. Brendan Clark .

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Warren, J.A., Akao, K.A., Clark, C.B. (2017). Hypomania. In: Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_903-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28099-8_903-1

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