Interpersonal Maneuvers of Manic Patients

Manic patients, excited schizoaffective patients, and agitated schizophrenic patients were rated using a "manic interpersonal interaction scale" that evaluated a number of interpersonal interactions including testing of limits, projection of responsibility, sensitivity to others' soft spots, attempts to divide staff, flattering behavior, and ability to evoke anger. Manic patients showed an elevation in each of these items; overall, elevations were greater than those of schizoaffective and schizophrenic patients. The intensity of the manic state also correlated with the degree of elevation of the manic interpersonal interaction scale scores.