ELATION

A mood of exaggerated well-being and joyous excitement accompanied by restless energy and a confident, optimistic attitude.The most typical psychiatric manifestation of elation is found in acute mania. The patient has an air of overriding cheerfulness, and proposes unrealistic schemes that will work wonders without fail—if only he can put them before the proper authorities. He brushes aside all objections and brooks no criticism. When his activities are opposed or curbed, the elevated mood may abruptly change to irritability and anger.Periods of elation are also observed in general paresis, psychosis with brain tumor, and schizophrenic excitement.Illustrative Case:“There is absolutely nothing the matter. Everything is perfect, all is peace and love. I feel fine—perfect. Everything is hotsy-totsy now. My only complaint is Patsy isn’t here. I have never been sick. I have always been good or else God couldn’t have lifted me up. Now Adam made a mistake and he’s doing time now. I never did. I was perfect and I see the light and love. He sent my mother and father down here as the best in order to have me. They were perfect when they had me—I’ve always been clean.” (Muncie, 1939)