Treatment for hypomania and mania

Your GP can help you get treatment for hypomania or mania. On this page we have information about your treatment options.

Seeing your GP

When you see your GP, they should ask about your symptoms and any possible causes. For example, they should ask if you're taking any medication.

If you've been keeping track of your moods, show them this information.

They should refer you to a specialist service. This service should assess you and talk about your treatment options.

Medication

Antipsychotic drugs can be used to treat mania and hypomania. If you and your doctor think medication might help, you may be offered one of these antipsychotics:

• Haloperidol

• Olanzapine

• Quetiapine

• Risperidone

You may be offered a mood stabiliser as well as an antipsychotic. This is more likely if you have mania or hypomania as part of a mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder. Or if the antipsychotic isn't working well enough on its own.

The mood stabilisers you might be offered include:

• Lithium

• Valproate

• Carbamazepine

Drug names

You might hear some of these medications called different names. That's because people might use the generic (medical) name or a trade name. There's more info on drug names on our page about medication for mental health.

What if I'm already taking medication?

If you develop mania or hypomania, your doctor should review any medication you take.

If you're taking antidepressants, your doctor may recommend that you stop. This is because antidepressants can trigger hypomania or mania, or make it worse.

If you take lithium and you experience hypomania or mania, your doctor or healthcare team should check you are taking the right dose. They may offer you an antipsychotic to take as well.

It’s important to make sure you have all the facts you need to make an informed choice about medication.

Our page on what to consider before taking medication has more information.

Our pages on coming off psychiatric medication give guidance on how to come off medication safely.

Talking about antipsychotics

Watch Laura, Steve, Joe and Ziaul talk about their experiences of taking antipsychotics.

I was feeling really agitated and not quite right. When I started taking them I kind of calmed down and felt more relaxed.

Community-based support

Community-based support can help if mania or hypomania make everyday life more difficult.

For example, you might get support from a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). These are teams of healthcare professionals who each offer different types of support.

Or you may get support for everyday tasks from your local authority or council.

If you're struggling with everyday living, you may be entitled to a social care needs assessment. This is to help assess whether you can get more support.

See our pages on health and social care rights for more information.

I now have a care co-ordinator and have been stable for a few months.

Crisis services

If you feel very unwell or can't keep yourself safe, you may need to access crisis services.

These services include:

• Calling 999 for an ambulance

• Support from an NHS crisis team

• Going to hospital or A&E

See our pages on crisis services and planning to find out more.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Very rarely, you may be offered a treatment called electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Guidelines say that you can be offered ECT if you're experiencing a long or severe period of mania and other treatments have not worked. Or if the situation is life-threatening.

Your doctor should explain the risks and benefits of ECT in a way you understand. They should support you to make a decision that's right for you.

Can I get talking therapy for mania and hypomania?

Doctors don't usually offer therapy to treat an episode of hypomania or mania. But you might be offered therapy if you have hypomania or mania as symptoms of a mental health problem. For example, if you have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

See our pages on therapy and counselling for more information.