Bipolar Disorder is a complex mood disorder characterized by dramatic mood swings between poles of mania and depression. But what exactly is mania and what are the symptoms? Mania is an abnormally elated mental state that's characteristic of Bipolar Disorder, typified by extreme exhilaration, energy and euphoria. However, mania can quickly spiral out of control, resulting in anger, irritability and aggression, as well as impulsive and reckless behavior. The hallmark symptoms of mania involve an unusually elevated euphoric or expansive mood with markedly increased energy and decreased need for sleep, along with loud, excessive and rapid talkativeness, with the person jumping suddenly from one thought to another. Another mania symptom is "racing thoughts," which involve unwanted and often unrelated thoughts or memories that may include past conversations, song lyrics, parts of television shows or movies, or random repetitive phrases that sufferers are powerless to stop. Constant restlessness, being easily distracted, having difficulty concentrating and an inability to make decisions are also typical symptoms of mania. Grandiose behavior is another common mania symptom; sufferers may develop unrealistic self-confidence and extreme arrogance. They may feel and act virtually invincible, as they make their extravagant plans and incessantly pursue unfeasible goals. While manic symptoms may often include charming and charismatic behavior, it's not uncommon for this behavior, with its accompanying sense of well-being and positive energy, to suddenly change to hostility and aggression that may include verbal or physical assaults. Impulsive behavior, typically with no regard for consequences, is also a symptom of mania. For example, a person may suddenly decide to quit a job, go on a spending spree, gamble away their savings, indulge in substance abuse or drive recklessly. This tendency toward involvement in potentially dangerous activities may also combine with heightened sexual desire, which is also a common symptom of mania, and may result in risky or inappropriate sexual behavior. When mania becomes severe, a person may suffer psychotic symptoms that reflect their extreme mood. Sufferers may hear voices or believe themselves to be famous, the victim of a conspiracy, possess extraordinary powers, or have a special connection with a celebrity or political figure. Some people with Bipolar Disorder have symptoms of hypomania, a milder and less severe form of mania. Hypomania symptoms include euphoria, along with increased energy, activity and productivity levels. Other hallmarks of hypomania may include, to lesser degrees, the often reckless and impulsive behavior characteristic of mania, like promiscuity, careless spending, overestimating their capabilities, along with plenty of plans, but little follow-through. It can be challenging to identify symptoms of hypomania, because they may be perceived as traits of an outgoing, energetic or optimistic personality. Hypomania symptoms can escalate to symptoms of full mania. Unlike mania, however, hypomania has no psychotic symptoms. Some sufferers experience mixed states in which symptoms of mania or hypomania and depression occur simultaneously, resulting in agitation, insomnia, appetite changes, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. If you recognize yourself or someone you know in the symptoms described here, please see a mental health professional.