Which diagnosis involves episodes of mania that alternate with depressive episodes?

Which diagnosis involves episodes of mania that alternate with depressive episodes?

• A. Major Depressive Disorder
• B. Dysthymia
• C. Bipolar Disorder
• D. Cyclothymia

Answer: (C)

The main concept is mood episodes that cycle between mania and depression, which is the hallmark of bipolar disorders. Mania involves an abnormally elevated or irritable mood with high energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid thoughts, and grandiosity, while depressive episodes bring low mood, anhedonia, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. When these manic or hypomanic episodes alternate with major depressive episodes, the pattern fits bipolar disorders rather than other mood conditions. Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode (often with depressive episodes), and Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes plus major depressive episodes. In contrast, major depressive disorder and dysthymia include depressive episodes only, and cyclothymia has chronic fluctuations that do not meet full criteria for mania or major depression. So this description best matches bipolar disorder.

The main concept is mood episodes that cycle between mania and depression, which is the hallmark of bipolar disorders. Mania involves an abnormally elevated or irritable mood with high energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid thoughts, and grandiosity, while depressive episodes bring low mood, anhedonia, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. When these manic or hypomanic episodes alternate with major depressive episodes, the pattern fits bipolar disorders rather than other mood conditions. Bipolar I requires at least one manic episode (often with depressive episodes), and Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes plus major depressive episodes. In contrast, major depressive disorder and dysthymia include depressive episodes only, and cyclothymia has chronic fluctuations that do not meet full criteria for mania or major depression. So this description best matches bipolar disorder.