Final answer:
Mania and Hypomania involve an elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior, with Mania being more severe and potentially including psychotic features, while Hypomania is less severe and does not cause significant life impairment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic affect and mood observed in individuals experiencing Mania and Hypomania are distinct yet related states that fall under bipolar spectrum disorders. Mania is characterized by an elevated or irritable mood, increased energy and activity levels, feelings of euphoria or grandiosity, rapid speech, decreased need for sleep, and a general lack of inhibitions which may lead to impulsive decision-making. Hypomania shares many of these characteristics but is less severe, does not cause significant impairment in social or occupational functioning, and does not include psychotic features.
Both mania and hypomania can significantly affect an individual's behavior and ability to function.Individuals experiencing mania and hypomania, which are characteristic of bipolar disorder, exhibit elevated mood and increased energy levels. In mania, the affect is often euphoric or extremely irritable, accompanied by grandiosity and inflated self-esteem. Individuals experiencing hypomania have a milder form of mania, with a less intense affect and fewer impairments in social or occupational functioning. Both mania and hypomania are associated with impulsive behavior and a decreased need for sleep.