Which disorder is defined as alternating periods of depression and mania?

Which disorder is defined as alternating periods of depression and mania?

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

Answer: (B)

This item tests understanding of mood disorders that involve shifts between depressive and elevated mood states. Bipolar disorder is defined by these alternating episodes—depressive periods with sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite, and manic or hypomanic periods characterized by unusually elevated mood, high energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid thoughts, and often risky behaviors. This pattern of switching between lows and highs is not seen in major depressive disorder, which involves only depressive episodes; generalized anxiety disorder centers on chronic worry and physical symptoms; OCD involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. So, the disorder described by alternating periods of depression and mania is bipolar disorder.

This item tests understanding of mood disorders that involve shifts between depressive and elevated mood states. Bipolar disorder is defined by these alternating episodes—depressive periods with sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite, and manic or hypomanic periods characterized by unusually elevated mood, high energy, decreased need for sleep, rapid thoughts, and often risky behaviors. This pattern of switching between lows and highs is not seen in major depressive disorder, which involves only depressive episodes; generalized anxiety disorder centers on chronic worry and physical symptoms; OCD involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. So, the disorder described by alternating periods of depression and mania is bipolar disorder.