What is a defining characteristic of mania in mood disorders?

A defining characteristic of mania in mood disorders is abnormally excessive elation or euphoria. This state often involves an elevated mood that is significantly higher than what is typical for the individual, leading to an overabundance of energy and heightened levels of activity. Individuals experiencing mania may engage in impulsive behaviors, speak rapidly, and have racing thoughts.

The essence of mania is this extreme elevation in mood, contrasting sharply with the depressive phases seen in mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. Such elevated mood can manifest in different ways, from increased self-esteem to a feeling of invincibility, which can result in risky behaviors that the individual might not typically engage in during a balanced emotional state.

Understanding this characteristic is vital in distinguishing mania from other mood states, such as depression or a balanced emotional state, which typically does not reflect such extreme fluctuations in mood.