Which of the following is the stage I of mania, characterised by an increased sense of psychological well-being?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

Euphoria is the first and mildest stage of elevated mood characteristic of a manic episode.
It is defined as an increased sense of psychological well-being and happiness that is disproportionate to the person's actual situation.
This stage represents the initial shift in mood before it escalates to more severe levels of mania.

Option B: Elation is Stage II of elevated mood, which is more intense than euphoria and is accompanied by increased psychomotor activity (e.g., restlessness, increased energy).
Option C: Exaltation is Stage III of elevated mood. It is a state of intense elation that includes delusions of grandeur, where the person may believe they have special powers, wealth, or importance.
Option D: Ecstasy is Stage IV, the most severe stage of elevated mood. It is characterized by an intense sense of rapture or bliss and is often associated with delirious mania, a state of confusion and disorientation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Stages of elevated mood in mania as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be able to identify the stage of mania to accurately assess the patient's condition, predict the risk of harm, and implement appropriate and timely interventions.
Recognizing euphoria as the first stage can signal the onset of a manic episode, allowing for early intervention to prevent escalation to more dangerous stages.
What if? If a patient presented with a moderately elevated mood and was restlessly pacing the halls, unable to sit still, the correct stage would be Elation (Stage II), indicating a need to manage their physical energy and ensure safety in the environment.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question requiring knowledge of psychiatric terminology.
First, identify the keywords in the question: 'Stage I of mania' and 'increased sense of psychological well-being'.
Recall the hierarchy of elevated mood states in mania.
The stages progress in intensity: Euphoria -> Elation -> Exaltation -> Ecstasy.
Match the description of 'Stage I' and 'increased well-being' to the mildest form in this progression, which is Euphoria.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QPBQcAIDNsjlbCpgzCPYDO

E6 Guide to Mental Health & PSYCHIATRIC NURSING R Sreevani— Part 1 (pp 26-289 of 579) p. 204-206

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.