You have done a nice job of describing how one type of manic episode looks, but in suggesting that what you see might be a temper tantrum you have also identified the challenge that faces us every time we try to give a name to psychiatric troubles.

CNN: Can a manic episode look like a tantrum?

First and foremost, if his current behavior represents a drastic departure from how he has normally been in his life, this strongly increases the odds that he is manic.

CNN: How can I help someone I fear is abusing Adderall?