Which statement best differentiates Bipolar I from Bipolar II?

Which statement best differentiates Bipolar I from Bipolar II?

• A. Bipolar I requires hypomanic episodes; depressive episodes must be present.
• B. Bipolar I involves manic episodes; depressive episodes common but not required for diagnosis.
• C. Bipolar II has no depressive episodes.
• D. Bipolar II requires only manic episodes.

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested here is how manic versus hypomanic episodes define Bipolar I and Bipolar II, and how depressive episodes fit into the diagnoses. A full manic episode is the hallmark for Bipolar I; it can occur with or without depressive episodes, but the presence of mania alone is enough for the diagnosis. Depressive episodes may occur in Bipolar I, but they aren’t required to diagnose it. In contrast, Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode, with no full manic episode ever present. So the statement that Bipolar I involves manic episodes, with depressive episodes common but not required for diagnosis, best differentiates it from Bipolar II, which centers on hypomania plus major depression and never a full mania.

The main idea tested here is how manic versus hypomanic episodes define Bipolar I and Bipolar II, and how depressive episodes fit into the diagnoses. A full manic episode is the hallmark for Bipolar I; it can occur with or without depressive episodes, but the presence of mania alone is enough for the diagnosis. Depressive episodes may occur in Bipolar I, but they aren’t required to diagnose it. In contrast, Bipolar II requires at least one hypomanic episode and at least one major depressive episode, with no full manic episode ever present.

So the statement that Bipolar I involves manic episodes, with depressive episodes common but not required for diagnosis, best differentiates it from Bipolar II, which centers on hypomania plus major depression and never a full mania.