Manic Episodes Symptoms
Manic episodes are the defining symptoms of bipolar I disorder. The characteristics of manic episodes are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) which is the book used to diagnose mental illnesses.
The fundamental symptom of manic episodes is either an abnormally elevated mood or irritable mood. The mood disturbance must last at least one week or cause hospitalization in order to be considered a true manic episode.