hypomanic episode
a period of elevated, expansive, or irritable mood accompanied by various combinations of inflated self-esteem, a decreased need for sleep, increased speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased activity or psychomotor agitation, and increased involvement in risky activities (e.g., buying sprees, sexual indiscretions). One or more hypomanic episodes are characteristic of bipolar II disorder (see bipolar disorder), and hypomanic symptoms are a feature of cyclothymic disorder. Also called hypomania. Compare manic episode.