It is a bipolar mood disorder with mania/hypomania attacks and periods of thymia (normal mood) in between, accompanied by depression attacks in some patients.

Mania, unlike major depression, is characterized by symptoms such as excessive self-confidence lasting at least 1 week, exuberance, increased speed in thinking, speaking and behaving, decreased need for sleep, easy distraction, and engaging in risky behaviors. The patient's energy, self-care, desire to travel, spending money, sexual desire, and interest in pleasurable activities are evident. Delusions and hallucinations may accompany these symptoms. The change in the patient's state of mind and demeanor can be easily noticed by relatives, and is very different from the patient's normal mood. The patient's daily life, work life and personal relationships are significantly affected. The condition that does not require hospitalization and progresses with milder symptoms is called "hypomania".