[Ginger Mary]

So I've been off my meds for a few weeks, and have been having alomost all the symptoms of mania, except for one thing, I get a few hours a day when I feel completely normal. Usually in the early mornings. But as the day progresses I get more talkative, loud, grandiose, my mind starts racing, I can't sit still, can't concentrate, I get distracted, anxious and irritable. I end up pacing, listening to loud music, never finishing a song. I've done some pretty stupid things in the last few days, having sex, buying stuff I can't afford etc.

I have this niggling doubt as to whether I'm manic or hypomanic though. Maybe this is just who I am? My pdoc questioned my diagnosis recently because she hasn't seen me manic (I've only been with her for a few months), so I have that floating around in my thoughts.

Anyway, I just want to know, does anyone get normal hours when manic?

[Gabyunbound]

I think everyone experiences hypo/mania differently so the fact that it increases throughout the course of the day may be normal for you.

My second pdoc was like that too, wouldn't give me an official dx (even though I already had one from previous pdoc) until he witnessed a hypo/manic episode; (he witnessed both.) So you're not alone there.

Anyway, my understanding is that the principal difference between hypo and full-blown mania are psychotic symptoms (anyone feel free to contradict me here), so if you were having delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, etc., etc. then perhaps you have gone on to full-blown mania. Also near total lack of sleep but feeling like you don't need sleep and are very energetic anyway.

Do your hypo/manic symptoms increase when you interact with others? Again, maybe that's just the way you experience it.

Why did you go off of your meds, if I may ask? Did you want your pdoc to witness an episode? Or were you fed up with them?

In any case, it sounds like you're very uncomfortable and distressed and I'm sorry for that. Maybe you should call your pdoc and ask him/her for advice. Meanwhile, maybe try to burn off some of the excess energy with exercise and/or distraction? Maybe you could dance to your music, even alone? I've done that and it's been helpful and really pleasurable too.

[pirilin]

Mania feels good. Full blown mania does not. That's the difference.

[Blaire]

For me, I almost always feel like my symptoms are better in the morning and worsen throughout the day. It's like that both with hypomania and depression, though meds do help me remain more stable throughout the day.

[LadyShadow]

For me everything seems normal. I never even question the mania. Its different for everyone of course, but for me I don't even know what's happening until its too late.

Sounds like you're pretty manic though. That's all the "typical" behaviors.