How long must symptoms last for a hypomanic episode?

A hypomanic episode is characterized by a distinct period of abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and increased energy or activity. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the symptoms of a hypomanic episode must be present for at least 4 consecutive days. This is a crucial distinction because it differentiates hypomania from a manic episode, which requires a duration of at least 1 week unless hospitalization is necessary.

The criteria for hypomanic episodes include not only the duration but also the presence of specific symptoms such as decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, distractibility, and others. An episode that lasts less than 4 days does not meet the criteria, and a duration longer than 4 days but shorter than 1 week still falls within the requirements for hypomania, whereas episodes lasting a week or more, in contrast, would signify a manic episode. Thus, for the diagnosis of a hypomanic episode, the correct duration of symptoms is over 4 days.