Which disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania?

Which disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of depression and mania?

• A. Bipolar Disorder
• B. Major Depressive Disorder
• C. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• D. Schizophrenia

Answer: (A)

Swings between depression and elevated mood indicate a mood disorder with distinct mood episodes. In bipolar disorder, people experience depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes, often cycling between the two over time. Mania brings heightened energy, reduced need for sleep, inflated self-esteem, rapid speech, and risky behaviors, while depression brings low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and other symptoms. This pattern of alternating states is characteristic of bipolar disorder, covering both bipolar I and bipolar II forms. Major depressive disorder involves only depressive episodes, with no history of manic or hypomanic periods. Generalized anxiety disorder centers on chronic worry and anxiety symptoms, not mood swings. Schizophrenia features psychotic symptoms like delusions and disorganized thinking, not primarily alternating mood states.

Swings between depression and elevated mood indicate a mood disorder with distinct mood episodes. In bipolar disorder, people experience depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes, often cycling between the two over time. Mania brings heightened energy, reduced need for sleep, inflated self-esteem, rapid speech, and risky behaviors, while depression brings low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and other symptoms. This pattern of alternating states is characteristic of bipolar disorder, covering both bipolar I and bipolar II forms.

Major depressive disorder involves only depressive episodes, with no history of manic or hypomanic periods. Generalized anxiety disorder centers on chronic worry and anxiety symptoms, not mood swings. Schizophrenia features psychotic symptoms like delusions and disorganized thinking, not primarily alternating mood states.