How do manic and hypomanic episodes differ in impairment, duration, and mood?

• A. Mania causes marked impairment and lasts at least 1 week (or hospitalization); hypomania lasts at least 4 days with less impairment and no psychotic features.
• B. Mania causes less impairment and lasts 3 days; hypomania lasts 1 week with psychotic features.
• C. Mania lasts at least 2 weeks and is always with psychosis.
• D. Hypomania lasts at least 4 months.

Answer: (A)

Manic and hypomanic episodes share elevated or irritable mood, but they differ in how much they impair functioning, how long they last, and whether psychotic features can be present. Mania produces marked impairment in social or occupational functioning (and can involve dangerous behavior or hospitalization) and lasts at least one week, or any duration if hospitalization is needed; psychotic features can occur during a manic episode. Hypomania also involves elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, but the change causes only minimal or no impairment in functioning and does not include psychotic features, lasting for at least four consecutive days. In short, mania is longer and more impairing (with possible psychosis), while hypomania is shorter and milder and never accompanied by psychosis.