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During the manic phase of bipolar depression a person undergoes changes in mood, distorted thinking and behavior. Euphoria is extremely common early in a manic episode. During mania, irritability is common, and any form of frustration becomes unbearable. Rage may be overwhelming if other try to restrain the manic behaviors. For example, "When you try to inhibit or criticize him, he will get angry, perhaps violent." (Cammer, 1969, p.45). Also, the person may experience a pressure to socialize or a sudden preoccupation with success, wealth, power, and fame (Mondimore, 1995). The person will have an inflated self-esteem thinking they are uniquely talented and attractive and "nothing can dent your self confidence," explains the AMA (1998, p.48). Along with this, this overconfidence may become the basis for delusional thinking. .
The way overconfidence can be linked with delusional thinking is commonly by way of paranoia. For example, the maniac believes that their phone calls are so important that their phone is tapped. 75 percent of maniacs have delusions (AMA, 1998). During the delusional state, people may feel immune to any kind of restraint. According to the AMA, "if you are manic, you truly believe nothing can stop you" (p.49). In severe cases people can hear voices inside their head. They may also believe they are God, that they have been elected to a high political office or they have solved a universal mystery. Some people even believe that they have magical powers. .
"Mania is a time for energy," stated the AMA (1998, p.49). During the manic phase the person may feel rested after a few hours of sleep or need no sleep at all. There is a possible appetite disturbance and "your sex drive might increase and everything seems interesting and enjoyable." (Dewan, 1999.) During mania it may be hard for a person to concentrate on one line of thought, for their mind is racing with thoughts and ideas. This often affects speech.
