Mood disorders mnemonic

Features of a manic episode

The mnemonic

DIG FAST

What each word stands for

  • DDistractibility
  • IIndiscretion (risky behaviour)
  • GGrandiosity
  • FFlight of ideas
  • AIncreased activity or agitation
  • SDecreased need for sleep
  • TTalkativeness (pressure of speech)

Why it matters clinically

Recognising mania early prompts a mood stabiliser and prevents harm from risky behaviour.

Where it stops being reliable

Covers symptoms only; duration and severity thresholds differ between hypomania and mania.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Mood disorders mnemonic?

DIG FAST. It helps you recall: Features of a manic episode.

What does "D" stand for?

Distractibility

What does "I" stand for?

Indiscretion (risky behaviour)

What does "G" stand for?

Grandiosity

What are all the parts of the DIG FAST mnemonic?

D: Distractibility; I: Indiscretion (risky behaviour); G: Grandiosity; F: Flight of ideas; A: Increased activity or agitation; S: Decreased need for sleep; T: Talkativeness (pressure of speech).

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Mood disorders in Psychiatry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Covers symptoms only; duration and severity thresholds differ between hypomania and mania.

How is this useful clinically?

Recognising mania early prompts a mood stabiliser and prevents harm from risky behaviour.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Psychiatry question about Mood disorders.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.