Manic Episode in Bipolar DisorderBipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual changes in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to perform activities of daily life (NIMH, 2009). People with bipolar disorder typically experience “mood episodes” (NIMH, 2009). An overly happy or overexcited state is called a manic episode (NIMH, 2009). A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased goal-directed activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and present most of the day, almost every day. days (American Psychiatric Association). , 2013). Some symptoms present during a manic episode are an increase in self-esteem or grandiosity, a decreased need for sleep, talking more than usual, a flight of thoughts, or a subjective experience that the racing thoughts, distraction, increased goal-directed activity, and excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Medical treatments for people suffering from a manic episode of bipolar disorder include medication and psychotherapy to prevent relapse and reduce the severity of symptoms (NIMH, 2009). Mood stabilizing medications are usually the first choice for treating someone with bipolar disorder (NIMH, 2009). Anticonvulsants are also used to help control mood and are sometimes prescribed (NIMH, 2009). Lithium is often very effective in controlling symptoms of mania and preventing recurrence of manic and depressive episodes (NIMH, 2009). Other treatments used for people with bipolar disorder are electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and sleeping pills (NIMH, 2009). Research shows that the man with bipolar disorder... middle of paper ...... helps George throughout treatment and his family will also be informed. Real, stimulating environments will help George achieve his goal of returning to the community.ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. Bipolar disorder. (2013). Retrieved from http://averaorg.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=10&pid=10&gid=000066http://averaorg.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=10&pid=10&gid=000066 Leahy, R.L. (2007). Bipolar disorder: causes, contexts and treatments. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 63(5), 417-424. doi: 10.10002/jclp.20360National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH]. (2009). Introduction: Bipolar disorder. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml