Questions and Answers
Describe the defining symptoms of bipolar disorder - Answer-at least 2 years of cycling
mood characterized by numerous periods of manic symptoms and separate periods
with depressive symptoms that do not meet the criteria for a major depressive episode
Describe the associated symptoms of bipolar disorder - Answer-- anxiety
- inattention
- social withdrawal
- substance abuse
- suicidal ideation
- suicidal attempts
- psychosis
Describe the typical age of onset of bipolar disorder - Answer-late adolescence or early
adulthood (mean age of 21 years)
State the criteria and symptoms that define and diagnose type I bipolar disorder -
Answer-- at least one episode of mania for >= 1 week
- a persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood
- related symptoms for decreased need for sleep, excessive energy, racing thoughts,
propensity for involvement in high risk activities, excessive talkativeness
Classic picture of bipolar illness with clearly defined discrete episodes of mania and
depression or mixed episodes with features of both depression and mania
State the criteria and symptoms that define and diagnose type Il bipolar disorder -
Answer--Recurrent major depressive episodes with at least one hypomanic episode and
no history of manic or mixed episodes
-Obvious episodes of depression, but the mania is much less intense (hypomania) and
does not impair functioning, and there is no history of manic or mixed episodes; at least
one depressive episode with at least one hypomanic episode
-Symptoms of hypomania are decreased need for sleep and lack of daytime fatigue
State the criteria and symptoms that define and diagnose rapid cycling bipolar disorder -
Answer-- Chronic fluctuations between depressive episodes that do not meet criteria for
MDD and hypomanic episodes
- >= 4 mood episodes (depression, mania, or hypomania) or mixed episodes of
depression and mania within one year
-Mood changes may occur from week to week and even day to day in extreme cases