What is a typical characteristic of hypomania?

Hypomania is recognized as a milder form of mania characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and heightened creativity or productivity. Unlike full-blown mania, hypomania does not lead to significant functional impairment or require hospitalization. Individuals experiencing hypomania might exhibit increased enthusiasm, reduced need for sleep, and a boost in self-esteem, but they typically remain connected to reality and do not experience delusions or hallucinations.

In some cases, hypomania can be a part of bipolar disorder, particularly in the Bipolar II subtype, where it alternates with episodes of depression. The key distinguishing factor is that while hypomania involves an uplifted mood and increased activity, it lacks the severe consequences associated with mania, such as significant impairments in day-to-day functioning.

The other choices describe conditions or effects that are not characteristic of hypomania. Extreme depression would contradict the elevated mood inherent to hypomania, while complete psychosis suggests a disconnection from reality, which typically does not occur in hypomania. Intense fatigue also contrasts with the increase in energy levels common in hypomanic episodes.