Medical expert of the article
New publications
Hyperthymia
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Symptoms hyperthymia
Hyperthymia is considered an unhealthy symptom because the inner sense of optimism and comfort is not supported by the real situation, as a result of which a person cannot normally establish contacts and adjust his life to the conditions dictated by reality. Sometimes such people are said to be those who perceive the world through rose-colored glasses. A person with hyperthymia is characterized by a focus on his own personality, as well as excessive egoism. In addition, a symptom of the disorder is the habit of extolling one's personal qualities and exaggerating one's own merits, placing excessive emphasis on them. The so-called "spirit of contradiction" also takes on a hypertrophied form: a person perceives any criticism addressed to him in an excessively negative way. His mood immediately changes, irritability arises, he does not want to listen to comments from others (including loved ones), even if they are not negative.
Forms
There are several types of hyperthymia:
Euphoria – in this emotional state, positive feelings prevail – joy, increased desire for some activity. Observed during alcohol intoxication, manic syndromes, etc.;
Complacency - in this state, a person experiences emotions of carelessness, self-satisfaction, and lacks the desire for any activity. Pathological conditions arise as a result of mental disorders associated with organic diseases of the brain;
Ecstasy - in this state, a feeling of exaltation, strong emotional elation is observed, often these emotions have a mystical tint. It is observed in syndromes with specific states of consciousness, can occur in an atypical form of manic syndrome, etc.;
Anger is the highest degree of discontent or irritability, malice towards others. In this case, a person is prone to aggression and can also commit destructive actions. It is observed in atypical or psychoorganic forms of manic syndromes, as well as in dysphoria.
[ 9 ], [ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]
Complications and consequences
Hyperthymia is rarely perceived as a pathological symptom, so there is no need to treat it, but sometimes it can have quite serious negative consequences for a person. When this condition takes on unhealthy forms, a person has an inflated self-esteem, which is why he perceives any criticism as a personal insult. In response, he provokes a conflict, reacts angrily and pickily. A person with hyperthymia finds it difficult to build normal relationships with other people, he has difficulty integrating into a new team.
Diagnostics hyperthymia
The following doctors diagnose this psychological disorder in a person's mood: a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, as well as a neurologist. To make a diagnosis, it will be enough to interview the patient himself, as well as his family. In addition, it is necessary to identify the presence of symptoms characteristic of the disease.
Differential diagnosis
Hyperthymia is often observed in cyclotomy, combined with dysthymia. Cyclotomy often develops in manic-depressive syndromes.
Who to contact?
Treatment hyperthymia
Mood disorders are usually treated with psychotherapeutic methods. Thanks to individual and group sessions with a psychologist, patients' emotional background is stabilized and their psychological state is normalized.