Less severe or brief episodes of mania are referred to as

A) automanic.
B) hypermanic.
C) schizomanic.
D) petit-manic.
E) hypomanic.

Hypomanic

A mood state characterized by persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, but less severe than full-blown mania, often seen in bipolar disorder.

Mania

A bipolar mood disorder characterized by flamboyance and expansiveness. A person experiencing a manic episode may go on shopping sprees, engage in sexually promiscuous behaviour, take on numerous, unrealistic work commitments, brag, and dominate others socially. In general, the person shows intolerance when the world does not cooperate with his or her momentary needs. Extreme or prolonged cases of mania are considered bona fide psychotic states, implying that the person is experiencing a break with reality. From the Greek mainomai, “to be mad.” See also hypomania.