MANIC EPISODE - Mania or a manic episode is a state where the person has increased levels of energy and activity. These people often feel happy and are overly energetic. Unfortunately, this "out of control" happiness leads to impulsive and often irrational behavior. People who are manic have poor judgment (particularly in business) and a decreased need for sleep. Most appear hyperactive, speak rapidly, and have unrealistic and grandiose ideas. Many develop sexual and marital problems. Manic people often get into financial difficulty before the condition is discovered. Some people in the later stages of mania will enter into a kind of frenzy that is characterized by hallucinations.