Which symptom set is typical of mania?

• A. Decreased sleep, increased activity, impulsivity
• B. Fear of crowds
• C. Memory loss
• D. Weight gain

Answer: (A)

Mania involves an abnormally elevated or irritable mood with a surge of energy and goal-directed activity. A hallmark pattern is a reduced need for sleep, where the person can go long periods with little or no rest. This is followed by increased activity—more speaking, more tasks started, more movement, and often heightened risk-taking. Impulsivity ties these together, leading to quick, poor-decisions without weighing consequences. So the combination of decreased sleep, increased activity, and impulsivity best reflects mania.

Fear of crowds points to anxiety-related conditions, not mania. Memory loss isn’t a defining feature of mania and would suggest other issues. Weight gain isn’t typical of mania as a core symptom; mood episodes can affect appetite, but the described triad best captures mania.