The diagnostic distinction between Bipolar I and Bipolar II centers on the presence of:

The diagnostic distinction between Bipolar I and Bipolar II centers on the presence of:

• A. Hypomanic episodes
• B. Full manic episodes
• C. Only depressive episodes
• D. Only anxiety symptoms

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is whether there is a full manic episode. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, lasting at least one week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary), and accompanied by additional symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, or risky behavior, and it causes marked impairment or requires hospitalization (or includes psychotic features). Hypomanic episodes are similar in mood and energy, but milder, last at least four days, and do not cause major impairment or psychosis. Because Bipolar I requires a manic episode, whereas Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes plus depressive episodes but no full manic episode, the presence of a full manic episode is the defining difference between the two. The other options don’t fit as the distinguishing feature: hypomania can occur in both types and depressive episodes are present in both, and anxiety symptoms are not diagnostic for these mood disorders.

The main idea being tested is whether there is a full manic episode. A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally elevated or irritable mood with increased energy, lasting at least one week (or any duration if hospitalization is necessary), and accompanied by additional symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, increased goal-directed activity, or risky behavior, and it causes marked impairment or requires hospitalization (or includes psychotic features). Hypomanic episodes are similar in mood and energy, but milder, last at least four days, and do not cause major impairment or psychosis. Because Bipolar I requires a manic episode, whereas Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes plus depressive episodes but no full manic episode, the presence of a full manic episode is the defining difference between the two. The other options don’t fit as the distinguishing feature: hypomania can occur in both types and depressive episodes are present in both, and anxiety symptoms are not diagnostic for these mood disorders.