manic episode
noun
plural manic episodes
: a period of extreme mental and physical hyperactivity and erratic behavior sometimes accompanied by psychotic symptoms (such as paranoia or delusions) that is characteristic of some psychological disorders and especially of bipolar disorder : a sustained state of mania
A person experiencing a manic episode might deep-clean their apartment at midnight on two hours of sleep or spam former classmates with messages asking to meet after years of no contact.—
Katie Camero
Katie Camero… manic episodes of abnormally elated mood, increased energy, rapid speech, irritability, impulsivity, hostility and psychosis …—Jamie Talan
Jamie TalanEarly signs … that you're getting ready to have a manic episode can last weeks to months. If you're not already receiving treatment, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last between three and six months.—Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland ClinicExamples of manic episode in a Sentence
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Doctors diagnosed him with bipolar disorder and overhauled his treatment, identifying his recent behavior as indicative of a manic episode.
—Matt Moret, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2026
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Matt Moret, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Manic episode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manic%20episode. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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