Which diagnosis requires criteria for a manic episode to be met?

Which diagnosis requires criteria for a manic episode to be met?

• A. Bipolar I Disorder
• B. Bipolar II Disorder
• C. Major Depressive Disorder
• D. Schizophrenia

Answer: (A)

The defining idea is that a manic episode is required for certain bipolar diagnoses. 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 needed), and it includes symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, and risky behaviors. Because Bipolar I Disorder requires meeting full manic criteria, it is the diagnosis that hinges on having a manic episode. Bipolar II involves a hypomanic episode (less severe than mania) plus depressive episodes, so it does not require full mania. Major depressive disorder lacks mania altogether, and schizophrenia centers on psychosis rather than a manic episode.

The defining idea is that a manic episode is required for certain bipolar diagnoses. 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 needed), and it includes symptoms such as inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, and risky behaviors. Because Bipolar I Disorder requires meeting full manic criteria, it is the diagnosis that hinges on having a manic episode. Bipolar II involves a hypomanic episode (less severe than mania) plus depressive episodes, so it does not require full mania. Major depressive disorder lacks mania altogether, and schizophrenia centers on psychosis rather than a manic episode.