What is the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)?

The YMRS is a clinical rating scale designed to assess the severity of manic symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. It evaluates key symptoms of mania including elevated mood, increased activity, decreased sleep need, and impaired judgment.

Who developed it and when?

Developed by Robert Young and colleagues in 1978 as a systematic method for rating manic symptoms in clinical and research settings.

What type of assessment is it?

Clinician-administered rating scale, though self-report versions have been developed and validated.

What does it assess?

• Elevated mood and euphoria
• Increased motor activity and energy
• Sexual interest and behaviors
• Sleep disturbances (decreased need for sleep)
• Irritability and aggressive behavior
• Speech patterns (rate and amount)
• Language and thought disorder
• Thought content (grandiosity, paranoia)
• Disruptive-aggressive behavior
• Appearance and insight

How many items and what format?

11 items, with varying response scales (some 0-4, others 0-8 with detailed anchor points).

How is it scored?

Total scores range from 0-60, with higher scores indicating more severe manic symptoms. Scores ≥20 typically indicate significant mania.