Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by:

Bipolar II Disorder is characterized by:

• A. Manic episodes only
• B. Hypomanic episodes with no depressive episodes
• C. Major depressive episodes alternating with hypomanic episodes
• D. Cyclothymic mood swings without clear episodes

Answer: (C)

Bipolar II Disorder involves depressive episodes paired with hypomanic episodes, not full mania. Hypomania is a distinct mood elevation or elevated energy that lasts at least four days and is noticeable to others, but it doesn’t cause the severe impairment or psychotic features that define a manic episode. The depressive component must be major depressive episodes, which involve persistent depressive symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment and last for at least two weeks. So the pattern of at least one major depressive episode alternating with at least one hypomanic episode fits bipolar II. Why the other descriptions don’t fit: manic episodes would indicate Bipolar I, not II. hypomanic episodes without depressive episodes don’t meet the requirement for a major depressive component. cyclothymia involves numerous periods of milder mood fluctuations that don’t meet the full criteria for mania, hypomania, or major depressive episodes.

Bipolar II Disorder involves depressive episodes paired with hypomanic episodes, not full mania. Hypomania is a distinct mood elevation or elevated energy that lasts at least four days and is noticeable to others, but it doesn’t cause the severe impairment or psychotic features that define a manic episode. The depressive component must be major depressive episodes, which involve persistent depressive symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment and last for at least two weeks. So the pattern of at least one major depressive episode alternating with at least one hypomanic episode fits bipolar II.

Why the other descriptions don’t fit: manic episodes would indicate Bipolar I, not II. hypomanic episodes without depressive episodes don’t meet the requirement for a major depressive component. cyclothymia involves numerous periods of milder mood fluctuations that don’t meet the full criteria for mania, hypomania, or major depressive episodes.