Bipolar Disorder Exam Questions with Correct Answers

What is Bipolar Disorder? - Answer-A disorder of mood consisting of episodes of depression and mania (or hypomania) a.k.a. Manic-Depression What is a Manic Episode? - Answer-A period of elevated, euphoric or irritable mood lasting at least one week 3 (or 4, if mood is irritable) symptoms characterized by accelerated cognitive and behavioral activity which occur simultaneously with the mood change.(DIGFAST) Must cause severe impairment D.I.G.F.A.S.T. - Answer-way to remember characteristics of manic episodes D-distractibility I-insomnia (decreased NEED for sleep) G-grandiosity F-fast (racing) thoughts/flight of ideas A-activities (increased/goal directed) S-speech (overtalkative) T-thoughtlessness/reckless/impulsive What is a Hypomanic Episode? - Answer-A period of elevated, euphoric or irritable mood lasting at least four days 3 (or 4, if mood is irritable) symptoms characterized by accelerated cognitive and behavioral activity which occur simultaneously with the mood change. (DIGFAST) Must NOT cause severe impairment What is a Depressive Episode? - Answer-A period of sad mood or loss of interest in most things all day long, nearly every day for at least two weeks. 4 symptoms characterized by decelerated cognitive and behavioral activity. Must cause impairment S.I.G.E.C.A.P.S. - Answer-way to remember characteristics of depressive episodes S-Sleep changes (usually increased) I- loss of interest G- guilty feelings/worthlessness E- Energy low