Fast speech and little sleep
For a week they've slept four hours a night, talk over everyone, launch three projects and spend freely.
Rule out first
Jet lag. Deadline adrenaline. A new baby. Caffeine, steroids or stimulant medication.
What could explain it
Bipolar disorder and hypomania: A clear change from their usual self, with less need for sleep (not just less sleep), racing thoughts, risky spending or sex, and irritability when slowed down.
Substance addiction: The energy comes and goes with use; there are crashes, irritability and secrecy between highs.
Hypomanic (manic) character: This is how they always are: lifelong high energy with no clear episode or crash.
ADHD in adults: Fast talk and restlessness are lifelong; they sleep badly because the mind won't stop, and they're tired the next day.
Manic defence: The busyness started after a loss or failure and keeps grief at bay; slow them down and sadness shows.
A next move
Ask if they feel tired. Not tired on four hours, as a change from normal, means a possible episode and warrants medical help; tired but wired points to ADHD or stress. Ask about recent losses and substances.
If it’s you
Am I racing toward something, or away from it?