mania

In psychiatry, term used to describe high mood. The affected individual can appear cheerful and optimistic or irritable and angry. Sleep is reduced and the sufferer can be overactive to the point of physical exhaustion. Speech is rapid and can convey grandiose delusions. Mania often occurs as part of manic depression. It is treated with an antipsychotic drug to control the mood and, in the long term, with lithium.