Mania, and to a lesser extent, Hypomania, and even still to a lesser extent, hyperthymic temperament, are three levels of mania. Mania in a traditional sense can be defined loosely on significantly elevated moods. From irritability to rage, little or no sleep for days, weeks, or months. It expands to an elevated need to be active, and many people experience flight of ideas, or they say their mind is racing from idea to idea. Many who have episodes of full-blown mania also experience Psychosis, and experience delusions, hallucinations (auditory, or visual or otherwise), paranoia, etc etc. Basically Psychosis is defined as a complete loss of reality.

Hypo-mania is many things that is Mania minus Psychosis. This, too, can take the form of elevated self esteem, grandiosity, irritable or rage. Many have pressured speech and talk very quickly, and have flight of ideas. It would be wise to read the links I posted, and go over the symptoms with your pdoc and therapist and how they relate to you. Both psy-health workers should know them well, and know how to recognize them.

I can, like any of us, only speak for my self. But I don't experience full-blown mania, rather I have episodes of hypomania that last for a few days (I cycle almost every week now off the drugs. drugs were making me cycle more violently and faster. go figure.) But my hypomania can manafest it's self in a few ways. I am extremely irritable, and have had rage episodes; i am very forward and confrontational with people. Other times, I am joyful and elated to just be in existence, and I am a very talkative person, and I fit the stereotype, when hypomanic, of being "the life of the party." I typically think extremely fast for my self, compared to when normal or depressed, and often just say exactly what i'm thinking no matter what it is because I just cant hold it in. Hypomania is often described as a extremely pleasurable experience because of the euphoria, and extreme sense of well being.

I hope this helps. Everyone kinda has similar, but different experiences that shape their mania over the course of their lives. While they do fit into a diagnosable mood state, with defined underlining criteria, many have their own ways of... what's the word, perception of the world while in these states. Basically, it's both different for everyone, but everyone kinda fits into a "mold" of criteria. Make sense?

The Mania page has a posting about mixed episodes. It would be wise, as well, to look into them. If you have not had one, then i'd read into it carefully in order to prepare if you ever do. But that's for another time.

Hope this helps, mate.