A rapid-fire speech pattern is one of the most frequent initial signs of bipolar disorder. It usually occurs with other common signs and symptoms, such as increased energy and activity; reduced need for sleep or insomnia; elevated mood; irritability, agitation, or jumpiness; and racing thoughts.
Characteristic Features
Pressured speech differs from ordinary talkativeness and represents a noticeable change in a person’s usual manner of speaking. It manifests as a compelling, virtually irresistible desire to talk. Following the conversation can be challenging for the listener because someone with pressured speech also typically experiences racing thoughts. This leads to jumping rapidly from one topic to another, a sign called flight of ideas. With a hypomanic episode, the conversation may seem odd but generally logical. Pressured speech during a manic episode, however, usually leaves the listener confused because the conversation is characteristically disjointed, illogical, fantastical, or even scary.
How to Address Pressured Speech
If you or a loved one develops pressured speech and have not been previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, medical evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause of this symptom. Among people known to have bipolar disorder, the development of pressured speech might be a sign indicating the start of a hypomanic manic episode. If you have bipolar disorder, development of driven speech signals the need to seek help from your doctor or someone designated to work with you to help manage your condition, such as a friend or family member. Ideally, you and your designated helper will have worked out a strategy in advance to handle these episodes. For example, if you are able to identify a trigger that led to the episode, removing yourself from that environment or situation may help calm your symptoms. Getting out into nature, taking a walk, or listening to calming sounds might also help reduce your symptoms.
Treating the Underlying Condition
Because pressured speech is a symptom and not a condition, it is important to address the root cause. Particularly among people not previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, evaluation might involve testing to rule out other conditions, such as a brain injury or drug misuse. Extreme stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and medication changes are among the common triggers of a hypomanic or manic episode. In such cases, pressured speech and other accompanying symptoms might resolve on their own, with or without counseling. For severe, persistent or intensifying symptoms, however, medication may be needed along with counseling. People with mixed episode bipolar disorder—where manic highs occur simultaneously or in rapid sequence with depressive lows—may require more intensive treatment. Mood stabilizers and/or antipsychotic medications are often prescribed. Temporary hospitalization may be necessary if a person is at risk for suicidal or violent actions during an episode. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
