Mania

(ma' -ne-ah). A form of insanity marked by great exaggeration of nervous action. It may occur suddenly, or follow an attack of melancholia. The patient presents an infinite variety of moods, is the subject of hallucinations and illusions, often shows a tendency to destroy what he comes in contact with, and is untidy; there is a marked change in character, and decided insomnia. There is rapid and progre ive emaciation. The brain is found to be in a hyperemic condition, and the disease is probably due to a lo of the inhibitory action of the highest controlling centers of the brain. Mania is most common in young adult life. Heredity is a strong predisposing cause, while mental strain, bereavements, shocks, and alcoholism may act as exciting causes. The great majority of the cases recover. M., Acute. See Mania. M., Acute Delirious, acute mania in which delirium 'is a prominent feature. M., Alcoholic, acute mania of alcoholic origin. It is to be distinguished from delirium tremens, although sometimes used synonymously with it. M. a potu. See Delirium . M., Bell's, an acute delirium running a rapidly fatal course, with slight fever, and in which post-mortem no lesions are found sufficient to account for the symptoms. There are the wildest hallucinations, insomnia, and intense excitement, followed by a condition called typho-mania, with elevation of temperature, dry tongue, and rapid, feeble pulse. The disease is almost always fatal, ending in from one to three weeks. Its nature is unknown. See Diseases, Table of. M. brevis, transitory mania, q. v. M. of Character, reasoning monomania. M. con cion a bund a, a form characterized by a constant desire to speak publicly. M. crapulosa, dipsomania. M., Dancing, an epidemic of choreic or convulsional movements, especially prevalent in the middle ages. M., Epileptic, a maniacal outburst in an epileptic; it may come on slowly. In many cases it is a ociated with a destructive tendency. M. errabunda, wandering mania, in which the patient wanders about or rushes forward regardle of obstacles. M., Furious, a violent form of mania; delirium furibundum. M. hallucinator i a. See Insanity , Confusional. M., Homicidal, one in which the individual displays a tendency to kill. M., Hypochondriacal, mania a ociated with hypochondriacal delusions. M., Hysteric, an outburst resembling mania occurring in an hysteric subject; it is usually a ociated with erotic manifestations. M., Incendiary.