Hypomania is associated with
bipolar disorder type two. The hypomania is not as extreme as
mania, but the
depression in type two is just as bad as in type one. People can function daily with little or no serious interruptions during episodes of hypomania.
Increased energy is a common
symptom of both mania and hypomania. This energy may lead to a decreased need for sleep, interesting ideas that lead to starting many new
projects, as well as
racing thoughts. During this time new creative projects will usually begin; such as redecorating a house, writing a novel, and possibly new business ventures. Often hobbies become more accentuated; someone who usually goes to the store and gets two or three things may end up spending a lot more money than they have before, and someone who usually spends an hour a day on school work may become a lot more driven and focused, filled with new ideas and everything just seeming to click together to make the perfect picture. However the
opposite is also possible, the thoughts may be racing in too many different directions to be able to concentrate on studying. During states of hypomania people are usually more sexually active than they would be otherwise.
The symptoms of hypomania vary from person to person, and the severity of it can vary, but it is always a lot less than mania. There aren't thoughts of being invincible, having super powers, or other dangerous ideas. Medicine is not always needed to correct hypomania; however taking antidepressants when bipolar can send someone into a full blown manic episode; even if the person has never had one before.