Hypomanic episodes are a key clinical feature of Bipolar II. Unlike manic episodes in Bipolar I there are no psychotic features present with hypomanic bipolar.
Hypomanic episodes are characterized by a distinct period of elevated, expansive or irritable mood lasting at least 4 days and including at least 3 symptoms of a manic episode and 4 where the mood is only irritable.
During this period the behavioral changes are out of character for the individual, easily recognized as unusual by close observers (usually family and friends) and not due to other contributory factors like drug abuse.
Hypomanic behavior is usually quite harmless. Its not severe enough to require hospitalization or even to impair their social or occupational functioning. It's basically just unusual, ergo, they may become exceptionally sociable or extrovert when hypomanic.
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