What lies between hypomania and bipolar disorder? A qualitative analysis of 12 non‐treatment‐seeking people with a history of hypomanic experiences and no history of major depression

This study presents the thoughts of a group of 12 individuals over 30 years of age with a history of hypomanic experiences using the qualitative method: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. These individuals were specifically selected on the basis of a self-reported history of hypomanic experiences (according to the mood disorder questionnaire, MDQ), and screened to rule out a history of mania or major depression, and therefore not fulfilling the criteria for bipolar I or II disorders. Thus, the current participants represent a unique sample of individuals, previously underreported in the literature. The aim of the interview was to determine the protective factors or characteristics which may prevent such individuals from experiencing hypomanic experiences that significantly disrupt their level of functioning. Three clusters of emergent themes emerged in the interviews: 'positive qualities of hypomanic experiences', 'the social meaning of hypomanic experiences', and 'having hypomanic experiences is not a problem'. The responses to several interview questions are also provided, which highlight the situations preceding hypomanic experiences, possible explanations for their experiences not going out of control, and typical responses of other people to the participants' behaviour. Findings are discussed in relation to a recent cognitive model of bipolar disorder and mood swings.