How is mania diagnosed?

Unlike many other diseases, because the etiology of mania is not fully elucidated at present, there are no definite laboratory tests or laboratory results to support the clinical diagnosis so far. The assessment of some scales and laboratory tests can be used as a reference for physicians to assist in diagnosis and determine the severity, and can be used as a basis for differential diagnosis, but cannot be used as a definite diagnostic basis. The diagnosis is still determined based on the medical history, psychiatric symptom examination, and the pattern of disease progression. According to the Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders – Third Edition (CCMD-3), the clinical diagnosis of mood disorders is based on four main aspects: symptoms, severity, duration of illness, and exclusion criteria. No matter the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, depression, mania, or even cyclothymic disorder and other mood disorders, firstly, the diagnostic criteria of manic episode and depressive episode must be met respectively. The diagnosis of manic disorder must first conform to the diagnostic criteria of manic episode. Specifically, the diagnostic criteria for manic episodes are as follows: Manic episodes are dominated by high moods, which are disproportionate to their situation and can range from happy and cheerful to ecstatic, and in some cases, only irritability is dominant. In mild cases, there is no impairment of social function or only mild impairment; in severe cases, hallucinations, delusions and other psychotic symptoms may appear. 1.Symptom criteria The main symptoms are high emotion or irritability, and at least three of the following (if only irritability, at least four): ① inattentiveness or shifting with the situation; ② increased amount of speech; ③ the experience of racing thoughts (increased speed of speech, rapid speech, etc.), accelerated association or drifting thoughts; ④ overestimation or exaggeration of self-evaluation; ⑤ high energy, no fatigue, increased activity, difficulty in quiet, or constantly changing plans (6) reckless behavior (e.g., extravagant, irresponsible, or reckless behavior); (7) reduced need for sleep; and (8) hypersexuality. 2. Severity Criteria Severe impairment of social functioning or causing danger or adverse consequences to others. 3. Disease duration criteria ① Meet the symptom criteria and severity criteria for at least one week; ② Some schizophrenic symptoms may exist, but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. If the symptom criteria of schizophrenia are also met, the manic episode criteria are met for at least one week after the remission of schizophrenic symptoms. 4.Exclusion criteria Exclude organic mental disorders, or mania caused by psychoactive substances and non-addictive substances. 5.Diagnostic criteria for mild manic episode In addition to no impairment or mild impairment of social function, the episode meets the criteria for manic episode.