manic phase

manic phase

A phase of bipolar disorder which is characterised by a days- to months-long period of elation, hyperactivity, inflated self-esteem, distractability and insomnia.
The depressive phase is characterised by inertia, loss of self-esteem, withdrawal, sadness and a risk of suicide; in either, there is often dependence on alcohol or substances of abuse.
Bipolar disorder appears between age 15 and 25; it affects men and women equally.