Mood episode
A sustained period — days or weeks — of a distinct mood state, with changes in energy, sleep and behaviour.
A mood episode is a defined period when mood, energy and behaviour move away from your usual range and stay there — for long enough, and far enough, to meet a clinical threshold. The named kinds are manic, hypomanic, depressive, and episodes with mixed features. The usual minimums are a week for mania, four days for hypomania and two weeks for depression.
The word “episode” is doing something specific. It means a period with a beginning and an end, not a permanent trait and not an ordinary bad week. Diagnosis in bipolar disorder is built almost entirely on which episodes someone has had and how long they lasted.
Clinicians ask such plain, practical questions about dates and sleep for that reason. They are not minimising the experience. They are trying to identify the pattern.
See also
If you’re in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, you’re not alone and help is available right now. In the US & Canada call or text 988. In the UK & Ireland call 116 123 (Samaritans). Elsewhere, contact your local emergency services — Get Help Now lists lines by country.
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