Gender variances in (hypo)manic symptoms amongst undiagnosed Lebanese male and female college students

Abstract

Research and knowledge regarding Hypomania, and Mania have been of great interest in the Field of Psychology. For many years, studies have been carried out regarding Symptoms on the Bipolar mood spectrum in the diagnosed population, yet very little has been carried out in the undiagnosed population. This missing piece of information could be vital for Clinicians to ensure a holistic well-being of individuals that are affected by prodromal symptoms or certain set of symptoms. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the gender rate variances in the prevalence of (Hypo)manic symptoms, their manifestations, and the most common ones amongst the Lebanese undiagnosed college population in the greater Beirut area. These symptoms were assessed using the Hypomanic Checklist– 32. The selected sample size for this study consisted of 124 students of which 58 were males, and 66 were females. The age range was between 18 and 63 years old. All the students completed the questionnaire in English, the language taught in their respective universities. The study's analysis of HCL-32 responses reveals gender-related disparities in the prevalence of (Hypo)manic symptoms among an undiagnosed Lebanese college student population. Females notably displayed symptoms in questions related to work enjoyment, accelerated thinking, and humor usage, whereas males were more apparent in their energy levels, speed of thought, and preference for swift or easy tasks. Both genders showed similarities in inflated self-esteem and optimistic mood as the most manifested symptoms and increased substance use as the least. The highest gender rate variance emerged in a question probing increased sociability, while the least appeared in the context of flirtatiousness and sexual activity. Notably, inflated self-esteem was the most common symptom across genders. This study offers valuable insights into the manifestation of (Hypo)manic symptoms among undiagnosed Lebanese college students