How Mania Affects Cognitive Functioning: Racing Thoughts and More
Mania is often portrayed in terms of its emotional highs and bursts of energy, but what is equally important is its impact on cognition. Cognitive functioning refers to the processes of thinking, reasoning, and decision-making, all of which are significantly altered during a manic episode. In this blog, we’ll explore how mania affects cognition, from racing thoughts to hyper divergent thinking, and how these changes can influence a person’s daily life.
Racing Thoughts: The Accelerated Mind
One of the hallmark cognitive symptoms of mania is racing thoughts. During a manic episode, individuals often experience their thoughts moving at a rapid pace, jumping quickly from one idea to another. This can be exhilarating, as the person may feel more creative or capable of understanding complex concepts, but it also poses significant challenges.
Racing thoughts in mania are not the same as being excited or brainstorming ideas. They often occur without control, and the speed of these thoughts can become overwhelming. It may become difficult to focus on a single idea for any length of time, making it challenging to complete tasks or have meaningful conversations. In extreme cases, the flood of rapid thoughts can even lead to confusion or frustration as the individual struggles to articulate what they are thinking.
Divergent Thinking and Hyper Divergence
Another cognitive effect of mania is hyper divergent thinking. Divergent thinking refers to the ability to generate creative ideas by exploring multiple possible solutions. It’s a key component of creativity, allowing people to see connections between unrelated concepts. In mania, this ability becomes exaggerated, which can lead to hyper divergent thinking.
While this might sound positive, and in some cases, it can contribute to bursts of creativity, hyper divergent thinking can also make it difficult for someone to stay grounded in reality. The connections made during this state often lack practical application or coherence, and the individual might see meaning where there is none. A seemingly random observation could be linked to a complex narrative, leading to thoughts that are disconnected from reality.
This type of thinking also contributes to the development of psychotic symptoms, such as delusions, in more severe manic episodes. The connections between thoughts may become so elaborate and detached from reality that they contribute to grandiose or paranoid delusions, making it even harder for the person to engage with the world around them in a logical way.
The Breakdown of Significance Threshold
In typical cognitive functioning, we have a mechanism called the significance threshold, which helps us determine which information is important and which is not. It’s the reason why, when walking down a busy street, we can focus on a conversation with a friend without being distracted by every other sound around us.
During mania, this threshold can drop dramatically. Everything seems equally significant, whether it’s a passing comment from a stranger or an important discussion with a loved one. This can lead to sensory overload, as the brain tries to process all incoming information as meaningful. The individual may struggle to prioritize thoughts or filter out irrelevant stimuli, contributing to the sense of chaos and overwhelm that often accompanies a manic episode.
Impaired Decision-Making and Reduced Consequence Awareness
Mania also affects decision-making abilities. People in a manic state often exhibit impaired judgment, partly due to the reduced ability to foresee the consequences of their actions. This happens because the brain’s executive functions—the part responsible for planning, impulse control, and evaluating outcomes—are compromised during mania.
For instance, someone in a manic state may make impulsive financial decisions, like spending large amounts of money or engaging in risky investments without considering the long-term repercussions. They might also engage in risky behaviors like driving recklessly or pursuing dangerous activities because the usual mental checks that assess danger and risk are not functioning properly.
Loss of Metacognition: The Awareness Gap
Metacognition refers to the ability to reflect on one’s own thoughts and behaviors. In mania, there is often a significant loss of metacognitive ability. This means that individuals may lose awareness of their own state, making it difficult for them to recognize that their thoughts are racing or that their behavior is out of character.
This lack of self-awareness is part of why people in a manic state may not seek help or resist treatment. They genuinely believe that they are functioning well, or even exceptionally, and may not understand why those around them are concerned. This gap in awareness can lead to strained relationships and missed opportunities for intervention.
The Emotional Impact of Cognitive Changes
The cognitive effects of mania don’t exist in isolation—they are deeply interconnected with emotional experiences and the state’s effects on the body. Racing thoughts can lead to feelings of euphoria, but they can also lead to irritability and frustration when the individual struggles to communicate or feels misunderstood. The inability to filter stimuli can make social interactions overwhelming, and the loss of consequence awareness can lead to regrets once the manic episode subsides.
Conclusion
Mania has a profound impact on cognitive functioning, affecting everything from the speed of thoughts to the ability to make decisions and evaluate consequences. While some cognitive changes, like increased divergent thinking, might seem advantageous, they can quickly become overwhelming and lead to impaired functioning. Understanding these cognitive aspects of mania is crucial for recognizing the challenges faced by individuals experiencing a manic episode and supporting them in navigating these challenges effectively.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mania, it’s important to seek professional help. Cognitive changes during mania can lead to risky behaviors and strained relationships, but with appropriate treatment, individuals can regain stability and improve their quality of life.