Phenomenology of mania - a factor analysis approach.

The phenomenology of mania has not been empirically studied adequately. Various studies have revealed 2. 4 & 5 factors as the core features defining the manic state. Differences in the Bipolar disorders have been reported across culture in the past further complicating the issue.This study was carried out to study the core features of the manic state and compare it with similar studies across culture.Hundred consecutive patients attending the Central Institute of Psychiatry's Out Patient Services for the first time with a diagnosis of manic episode or bipolar disorder, current episode mania as per Diagnostic Criteria for Research were taken up for the study.Factor analysis using Principal Components with Varimax rotation was carried out. Factor score were tested for normal distribution using Kolmogorov Smirnov statistic.The findings revealed three factors representing psychomotor acceleration, thought disorder and mood All distributions were normal. Mood was found to be on a continuum with euphoria and irutability on the opposite poles.