Which specifier denotes bipolar episodes in full remission that are depressed?

Which specifier denotes bipolar episodes in full remission that are depressed?

• A. In full remission, manic
• B. In partial remission, depressed
• C. Unspecified
• D. In full remission, depressed

Answer: (D)

In bipolar disorder, clinicians capture both the type of mood episode (depressed, manic, etc.) and how fully the symptoms have remitted. The phrase “in full remission, depressed” combines those two pieces of information: the episode’s polarity is depressive, and the remission status is full, meaning the depressive symptoms no longer meet criteria for a depressive episode. This is the precise way to document a depressive episode that has fully remitted, distinguishing it from active depressive symptoms or from other mood states described as manic or partial remission. The other options either pair remission with a different mood state or use unspecified, which provides less specific information about the episode.

In bipolar disorder, clinicians capture both the type of mood episode (depressed, manic, etc.) and how fully the symptoms have remitted. The phrase “in full remission, depressed” combines those two pieces of information: the episode’s polarity is depressive, and the remission status is full, meaning the depressive symptoms no longer meet criteria for a depressive episode. This is the precise way to document a depressive episode that has fully remitted, distinguishing it from active depressive symptoms or from other mood states described as manic or partial remission. The other options either pair remission with a different mood state or use unspecified, which provides less specific information about the episode.